The Basque Cafe, formerly known as Maitias Basque Cafe, a long-lived restaurant in Bakersfield famed for its garlic fried chicken, shut down just after Fourth of July weekend, a casualty of the economy, its last owner said. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) A Bakersfield landmark has reopened for business in a new location. Bakersfield, California 93309, 601 Sumner Street I used to come up to Bakersfield with my grandmother and got off the train at the old Baker street station. (661) 328-0400, Benji's French Basque Restaurant4001 Rosedale Highway The other time I ordered thespecial of the day - halibut. 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. In future, we would order one entre, and one vegetarian meal, which is all the accompanying dishes. amzn_assoc_linkid = "23fed3e85ca8b79837c918e0c4c48c44"; Learn more about offering online ordering to your diners. It was light and flaky and cooked to perfection. Due to its delicate architecture, your souffl must be served at the precise moment it comes out of the oven.. Incredibly grizzily. We are open for dine in and take out. They have a separate bar and it looked like a band was setting up to play on Friday.More, Chalet Basque is a Bakersfield institution. We waited a few minutes for someone to help us. We chose veal sweetbreads, garlic fried chicken and lamb kebab. The Pyrenees dark wood bar, vinyl booths, throbbing jukebox, and neon Budweiser sign attract motorcycle clubs, indie bands, and Basque old-timers alike. With three banquet rooms, a spacious dining room, and an outdoor covered solarium, the Basque Cultural Center hosts many diners, banquets and parties daily. Service was slow sometimes, the sides did not come with the meal. Had he known, he might have ordered a different lamb dish. Basque Restaurants in Bakersfield. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. You can also discover places to eat by searching by cuisine or category, like Chinese, and in Bakersfield, you have about 20 to . His theory is that the Basque people who settled in the area originally were probably from the same region, and that was most likely a shepherding region, thus the emphasis on lamb dishes, and the similarity in menu items. He was 95, led a really wonderful life. We will definitely be back again the next time we go through town.More, Just left about 30 minutes ago. Pintxos y Montaditos / Snacks. Noriegas owners worried that when the closures were lifted, the family-style dining and shared tables that were an essential part of the Noriega experience were likely to be prohibited. Skip the chicken and fries if you're celiac. Basque restaurants in Idaho. Order the garlic paste on the side for added flavor. It would easily feed two people who were very hungry. By noon, I was at Benji's French Basque Restaurant west of Bakersfield. On social media, fans lamented the loss of the Noriegas signature Picon Punch and garlicky pickled beef tongue, as well as the historic culture and community the Central Valley restaurant had come to represent an end of an era in Bakersfield. They do like to put a lot of raw garlic on everything, which I liked, her not so much. Roasted leg of lamb implies a dry preparation. We got the set-up and the beef bourguignon. Roasted leg of lamb implies a dry preparation. Escargot $9.00 Salads & Sides Tuna Salad $8.25 Shrimp Salad $10.95 Chef's Salad $10.50 Ham, chicken, cheese. We looked up and 2 of the 3 light bulbs above our seat were burned out. We did notice a large banquet room that faced the front with large windows, so they can accommodate larger parties. Best Brunch Spot - Moo Creamery Photo by Moo Creamery If you get the chance to visit Moo Creamery for brunch in Bakersfield, you won't regret it. Weve been talking a lot about Basque food over there, so I was curious to know where people like to eat. The set ups are good with the soup alittle on the weak side. But for California's Basques, a way of life was unalterably transformed. Bakersfield, CA 93308 My all-time favorite was the Winnemucca Hotel, sadly closed. Everything was great! At the Noriega you serve yourself from communal platters brought to the table, and wash everything down with cold, red wine. Bakersfield, California 93301, There has been a Basque presence in the Central Valley since the 19th Century. They still serve dinner as family style, which I enjoy. Bakersfield, California 93305, 622 East 21st Street The legendary large-format restaurant is a James Beard Foundation American Classic category winner from 2011, and has been in operation since the 1930s. Restaurant What to Get: Show / Episode / Recommended By Yelp! If youre not that hungry, just sit at the bar and order a Picon Punchthe customary Basque brandy-and-grenadine highball, usually mixed with a bitter orange liqueur or sometimes maraschino cherry juice, and typically garnished with a lemon peel. Updated July 2021: A new Noriegas, with menu, chef and decor from the original Noriegas, has opened at 4809 Stockdale Hwy. The highlight is the family style set up that is always a part of the Basque experience. What are people saying about basque restaurants in Bakersfield, CA? Sad news. Dinner seatings at 6 and 8 p.m.. View more restaurants in Bakersfield, CA from other shows - FoodiePie.com. All Rights Reserved. The restaurant was named an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation in 2011. 620 East 19th St, Bakersfield, CA 93305 +1 661-327-9584. To find out more about the cookies we use, see our Privacy Policy. 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. I must say I liked this place best of the three we have tried so far. Restaurant Basque Dinner Menu Third Thursday Wine Dinner Menu. He came by only to drop off the food. The restaurant stopped serving customers on Tuesday, March 18. It took forever for him to bring us our drinks. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "hellabasque-20"; Salad is off the menu in Britain because of vegetable shortages. There are already some lists of Basque American restaurants on Buber's Basque Page and Euskal Kazeta, but things change fast in the restaurant industry. The restaurant, which served. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Noriega Hotel, one of Bakersfield's oldest restaurants, announced Friday that it would not reopen following its closure due to the coronavirus outbreak. Next, you can begin to explore California's Country Music Capital food and restaurant options. Yes, Chalet Basque offers takeout services. We could see the handwriting on the wall, Ladd said, explaining Noriegas closure. The description on the restaurant says Hungarian. Phone: 661-589-5292 Address: 10700 Rosedale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93312-3278 Website: www.mauriciosgrill.com 2. Benji's French-Basque Restaurant. Were gonna try to make it look the same, he said. Maybe its an outdated website? Read More> Named After: Benji's Bakersfield Life (October 2014) Soooooo in conclusion, do I recommend Chalet Basque? Looking for your new favorite restaurant? We use this information in order to improve and customize your browsing experience and for analytics and metrics about our visitors. It came with a sauce on top - tasted good, kind of lemony. amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; Sad, the place and food was so dated. amzn_assoc_title = "Cook Basque Food At Home"; Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. The museum is planning a display commemorating Noriegas in its Trolley Car Station. Sorry for the inconvenience. CHALET BASQUE RESTAURANT - 158 Photos & 166 Reviews - 200 Oak St, Bakersfield, CA - Yelp Restaurants Home Services Auto Services Chalet Basque Restaurant 166 reviews Claimed $$ French, Basque, Spanish Edit Open 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Hours updated 3 weeks ago See hours See all 158 photos Write a review Pickled Tongue Highlights from the Business Thanks for letting me know though. Starting in January, the rent increased, Stewart said. Aged Sherry Caramel, Chimichurri, Sourdough. Bakersfield, CA 93305 (661) 327-9584 In operation since 1954, this is one of the best rated restaurants in Bakersfield, with its authentic dishes from the rich Basque region. Menu. Opening Hours. Classic Basque dishes are comforting and unfussy, and many deserve a spot in your weeknight rotation. How to Make Basque Garlic Soup - Baratxuri Salda. The change from daylight to dark took our eyes a bit to adjust. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; The restaurants historic back bar, which dates back to 1940, was purchased with the help of donations and moved to the Kern County Museum. The Bakersfield community and the Basque community were devastated. and original from prior owners. This restaurant is well known for serving French and Spanish cuisines. You will not be disappointed that you stopped by to enjoy a meal or a drink with friends and family!More, Did you realize there was a Basque community in Bakersfield, raising lambs and wool and running restaurants? 601 reviews #6 of 551 Restaurants in Bakersfield $$ - $$$ Basque Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options 620 E 19th St, Bakersfield, CA 93305-5619 +1 661-327-9584 Website Closed now : See all hours See all (49) RATINGS Food Service Value Atmosphere Details Special Diets Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Meals Oops! He spent much of his time talking on his cell phone or waiting on the other two tables (he was very friendly/hands on and solicitous of the other table (of six people) so it was completely obvious that he didn't want to be bothered with my husband and me). Maitia, who immigrated from French Basque country in 1947 and opened Woolgrowers with her husband JB in 1954, died this morning, according to restaurant employees. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. This place is not near the same as it was with the previous owners.More, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Basque salsa really spices up the soup, by the way. (661) 324-2961, Narducci's Caf622 East 21st Street Frank Sr. passed away April 10, on his birthday. He previously edited the food sections of Los Angeles magazine and L.A. Weekly and has co-authored several cookbooks. Although they dont own the property, she said, the Elizalde family has run the Noriega Hotel since 1931. . Since 1986. Add a photo 37 RATINGS Food Service Value Atmosphere Details CUISINES Spanish Meals Dinner, Lunch FEATURES special of the day - halibut. This is a review for basque restaurants in Bakersfield, CA: "the practice is to have everyone wait in the bar area prior to the dinner seating. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. I moved from Bakersfield about 10 years ago and truly miss my Basque meals ! 165 reviews #19 of 553 Restaurants in Bakersfield $$ - $$$ French Basque 4001 Rosedale Hwy 4001 Rosedale Hwy, 93308-6130, Bakersfield, California, Bakersfield, CA 93308-6130 +1 661-328-0400 Website Menu Closed now : See all hours See all (34) RATINGS Food Service Value Atmosphere Details CUISINES French Meals Lunch, Dinner FEATURES I tried for six months to do everything I could, Stewart said. Everything in the setup, seemed like they were scrimping on ingredients to save money. The Elizalde family, which had owned the restaurant and boarding house at 525 Sumner St. since 1931, announced on Facebook that they would not be reopening after coronavirus restaurant closures were lifted. Basque Restaurants in the U.S. Basque Restaurants in Southern California. I included your recommendations and researched other restaurants to make a complete list. The chowder was great! We would certainly eat here again any time we were in Bakersfield. by Anne-Marie | Mar 19, 2019 | Food | 8 comments. In-Depth Research Available for this Property. was fresh yesterday. Try their butterfinger pie for dessert! Location. Unless you and your family want to be traumatized! https://euskalkazeta.com/noriegas-hotel-in-bakersfield-closes-for-good/#comment-530222. Benji's French Basque Restaurant is a simple spot for traditional Basque cuisine, including unique dishes like pickled tongue & frog legs. And if you know of any restaurants serving Basque food in the United States that I missed on this list, please get in touch and let me know. It was cold inside the bar, which was empty, and only slightly warmer in the restaurant, my wife was shivering when we left. In Bakersfield, Calif., the landmark Basque spot serving a four-course meal including outrageous oxtail and garlic fried chicken. 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. 200 Oak St Bakersfield, CA 93304-24. It was our anniversary and we wanted something a little more upscale than fast food or a chain restaurant. The theme of which is the outrageous rudeness of answering a phone when in a restaurant. When . Nestled between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean, and straddling the border of northern. In Bakersfield's Old Town Kern neighborhoodalso known as the Basque Blockyou'll find the largest concentration of Basque restaurants in the United States. 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".. Bakersfield, CA 93305 . The wife's pork chops were large and juicy. It's highway close and after wanting to stop for Basque food for years, I finally read some reviews and chose this place because of its ratings and the fact that they were open mid-afternoon.We ordered one dinner without entree and one with roast lamb. What are some highly rated basque restaurants in Bakersfield, CA? Watch Huell Enjoys Noriega's Basque Restaurant in Bakersfield | California's Gold with Huell Howser Season | KCET 515 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301. The restaurant needs a little upgrade in decor, but it is very clean and interesting. French Restaurants in Bakersfield. Osathanugrah is the owner of KK's Cafe on Golden State Highway. 4809 Stockdale Hwy. The waitress was excellent. If you would like to experience this in a "family" restaurant I would also recommend Chalet Basque!!! The primary reasons behind the familys decision were increasing rent and the pandemic, which prompted government health officials to close restaurants. Basque restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area - Northern California. The Elizalde family, owners of the restaurant since 1931, announced the decision on Facebook, thanking all the people that have dined with us.. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Enjoying Basque food at the Basque restaurant Harvest Vine in Seattle, Wash. We are in the middle of one of the largest, Toll Free (866) 425-7353Local (661) 852-7282, This website uses cookies to enhance your user experience on our site. All dinner meals come with soup, salad, bread, beans, spicy tomato sauce, vegetable and tongue salad. Benjis is more French than Spanish (frogs legs are popular), but the big ticket is a dessert soufflchocolate, lemon, Grand Marnier, or raspberry. Lots of choices on the menu and the family style serving was a great way to giveeveryone a choice. They also have a bar/lounge and outside patio area. The menu has a good selection of items with great specials. The change from daylight to dark took our eyes a bit to adjust. Proudly created with Wix.com. She came from the back and seated us right away. Basque meals are similar to French cuisine. Give it a chance if you have time!More, Actually went to Chalet Basque twice this month. Still love the Pickled LambTongue. A family-style dining experience that once . Most who read my reviews know that my husband is from Spain and we tend to be harsh critics of Spanish food. I will still go here for cheap and plentiful eats.More, We have eaten here many times & usually better. The restaurant is named for its proprietor, 67-year-old Basque immigrant Bernard "Benat" Benji Arduain, who first established the French-style dining destination on Union Avenue in 1986. At lunch if you want all the trimmings you pay $4 extra. We apologize to those who wanted brunch and regret that we are unable to open at 11:00 today. Trio of Spanish Cheeses $15.00. And with over 100 comments on the post, it looks like you guys are passionate about this topic! 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! They cite that the economy was down and it is, she said. Our menu is under update. Due to its delicate architecture, your souffl must be served at the precise moment it comes out of the oven.. Brought us water and then took our order. Bakersfield Kern County Brewery Trail. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; There was only one waitress on duty because it was 3 in the afternoon. It has been watered down and Americanized a bit. If I could, I wouldgive the food five stars and the service a zero or one. Address. Baskin-Robbins adds a hint of waffle, and voila. 18 Month Jamn Serrano $16.00. The brightly lit dining room with long trestle tables is . The food is amazing here. A family-style Basque dinner at Noriega Hotel in Bakersfield. 4809 Stockdale Highway, 661-885-8515, facebook.com/noriegasbasque Hours: Breakfast 7-10 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Owner was floating around and more concerned about ticket sales..not patronsfood is good but soda tastes like can! Its real sad because we were real proud of our restaurant, said Susan Maitia, 64, speaking on behalf of her husband, former owner Frank Maitia Jr., 65, who has Parkinsons disease. 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. There was only one waitress on duty because it was 3 in the afternoon. Learn more, Copyright 2023 Visit Bakersfield | All Rights Reserved, Wool Growers Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge. Basque restaurants in Los Angeles area - Southern California. 2013-2022 Hella Basque. Typically, this first course consists of a simple vegetable soup. 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 a must while visiting this place to taste delicious coffee or great tea. Soup and lamb was delicious. Basque restaurants in Nevada. Try their butterfinger pie for dessert! The place was dark inside, not too many windows. The cocktail miraculously straddles the narrow line between tart and sweet. The restaurant was granted the prestigious James Beard award as an American classic in 2011, for its food and appeal. He called McCoys Bloody Mary an art form.. 0.91 miles. In addition to the multi-course setup, the Chalet serves a garlicky escargot you wont find elsewhere. The community response was surprising to the family, considering that business hasnt been that good for the past few years, she added. Adress: 200 Oak St, Bakersfield, CA 93304, USA The classic Bakersfield Basque restaurant formerly on Sumner Street is now taking dinner reservations during its soft opening this week. (661) 323-0053, Pyrenees Caf601 Sumner Street The hope is that through the bankruptcy process, that other assets will be sold and that anybody that we owe any money to will be paid.. 4809 Stockdale Hwy Bakersfield, CA 93309. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; 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. He never even came by to refill my husband's water glass. They just didnt spend the time there that they should have. I ended up paying $20 for total garbage. We didnt but were clued in and it was great. The broker led them to local restaurant owner, Bill Osathanugrah, who already owns two restaurants in Bakersfield, Happy Wings and KKs Caf. In any event, I think Basque food in the United States is the closest thing to visiting W mainland Europe to eat. The food was very good and plenty of food for our gathering of ten people. Good size shrimp, lot". Are you sure you want to delete this question? 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. Ambience is niceand original from prior owners. Lunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Bakersfield, CA 93305 Error: There is no connected account for the user 253329000 Feed will not update. Tag #VISITCALIFORNIA on Instagram to have your trip featured on our page. 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. Service was OK, the waiter was friendly and did well overall, his helper (busboy?) Nice atmosphere." didn't smile or converse, and when clearing tables sounded like he was throwing the dishes across the isle to another table, very noisy, and annoying! It was an institution, acknowledged Rochelle Ladd, who with her sister Linda Elizalde McCoy and daughter Brianna had run the restaurant in recent years. There are already some lists of Basque American restaurants on. Some had worked there for decades. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Great dining experience. Its hard on them., She said her father-in-law died earlier this year. Dining and Drinking, Restaurant, Hot Dog Joint, American Restaurant, Fast Food Restaurant . Check Fully leased, Value-Add, Office/Warehouse Project space availability located at 3624 Buck Owens Blvd, Bakersfield, CA 93308. recommend you try Chalet Basque on Oak Street. Meats are so so. 200 Oak Street There is also a lovely patio area that is probably a great place to sit on warm evenings. #ChaletbasqueMore, Went to Chalet Basque because the Basque place we wanted to dine at was full. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; According to my Spain expert, the food in the Basque restaurants in Bakersfield seem to come from the same region. I have to be honest and say it's not as good as it used to be. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The namesake of Noriega's restaurant was recently purchased by Bill Osathanugrah after previous owners announced its closure. When your entre comes, you also get buttery green beans, really French fries, and baked beans. This Bakersfield property for sale is located at 3624 Buck Owens Blvd. The food was great and you felt like family. 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. Call 661-327-9584 to place your orders. What sad news! It has been watered down and Americanized a bit. 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. He never even came by to refill my husband's water glass. 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 It was cooked perfectly, was tender and melt in your mouth juicy. 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. This error message is only visible to WordPress admins, My aita had a great time watching the pilotariak at the BCC this weekend. Benji's French Basque Restaurant Please call 661-328-0400 to make reservations. The Basque community has a rich cultural heritage with a love of dance, music, food, pilota and more. I must say I liked this place best of the three we have tried so far. Pyrenees breakfast menu offers pleasant surprises: Nab a seat at one of the outdoor patio tables and order the bacon-stuffed pancakes. 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.