When you travel in and around Reno, Nevada, don't miss eating in one of the many Basque restaurants throughout Northern Nevada. Basque food is hearty, and uses fresh, wholesome ingredients, just like they would have used in their homeland. When you have dinner in a Basque restaurant, prepare for a lot of food and drink! The Basques believe in good food, good red wine, and good times, and much of their culture centers around food, cooking, family, and wine making. When you visit a Basque restaurant, be prepared to eat plenty, enjoy the company, and pass the food along to your neighbor. You'll eat family style at a large common table in most restaurants, but some do offer single tables for private dining. Half the fun is meeting new friends, so when you sit down to dinner at a Basque restaurant, you may walk away with some new acquaintances, too!
The Basques settled in Northern Nevada in the 19th and early 20th century. They came from France and Spain, from the region around the Pyrannes, to herd sheep in the high desert open range of the state. Much of the time these sheepherders spent their time with their sheep, alone in the vast wilderness, but when they came to town, they stayed in Basque hotels, and these hotels almost always had a restaurant attached, where the men could find the food they craved from their homelands. Most Basque restaurants you find today, have their roots in these early Basque hotels, and many have been located in the same buildings for decades or more.
Basque Restaurants in Reno
Louis' Basque Corner
The oldest and most well-known Reno Basque restaurant, Louis' is a local favorite, and it's located close enough to downtown that visitors can easily take in dinner or lunch and then head back to the casinos.
301 East Fourth Street, Reno (775) 323-7203
Open Tuesday through Saturday, lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., and dinner is served from 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
The Santa Fe Hotel
Another local favorite. Located near the rear entrance of Harrah's Resort, it's an easy walk from most downtown casinos.
235 North Lake Street, Reno (775) 323-1891
Open 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday for lunch, and
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday for dinner.
Gardnerville Restaurants
J & T Bar
One of the oldest Gardnerville restaurants, the J&T is located right in the heart of downtown Gardnerville.
1426 Main Street, Gardnerville (775) 782-2074
Open Monday through Saturday, lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.,
and dinner is served from 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Overland Hotel
The Overland Hotel is one of those original Basque restaurant/hotels that still survive throughout Northern Nevada.
691 South Main Street U.S. 395), Gardnerville (775) 782-2138
Open 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday for lunch, and
4:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday for dinner.
Carson Valley Country Club
An upscale restaurant with private tables and views of the golf course.
1029 Riverview Drive, Gardnerville (775) 265-3715
Open 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday & Wednesday and Friday
and 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday for dinner.
Winnemucca Restaurants
Martin Hotel
Another old Basque restaurant hotel, located right across from the old train station in Winnemucca.
West Railroad & Melarkey, Winnemucca (775) 623-3197
Open 11:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday for lunch, and
5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Sunday for dinner.
Ormachea's Dinner House
A new-style restaurant with private tables and a lovely decor.
180 Melarkey, Winnemucca (775) 623-3455
Open 4:30 p.m. through 10:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday for dinner.
Fermin
A traditonal Basque restaurant right on the main street in town.
485 West Winnemucca Boulevard (775) 625-2555
5:00 p.m. through 10:00 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday for dinner.
Winnemucca HotelAn old Basque hotel in the original building, this is the oldest Basque restaurant in Winnemucca. Be sure to stop and admire the old, ornate bar on the way inside.
95 Bridge Street (775) 623-2908
Open 12:00 p.m. through 1:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday for lunch, and 6:15 p.m. through 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday for dinner.
Sherril Steele-Carlin - I'm a freelance writer and researcher in Reno, Nevada, where I've lived for over 20 years. I love the history and lore of Nevada, and I ...
