and I'm never disappointed. There were only two tables of guests (and a third table of two people came in over 1/2 way through our meal). Thanks for sharing such information. A crane was used to move the historic bar from Noriegas to the Kern County Museum after closing of restaurant. Article highlighting the history of Benji's. This restaurant is like some place from the fifties. The income went way down and we just couldnt sustain it. T / 661-328-0400, 2021 by Erock. Most who read my reviews know that my husband is from Spain and we tend to be harsh critics of Spanish food. 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! He is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University and believes in driving long distances for a good sandwich. Pan Rustico $7.00. 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). 2013-2022 Hella Basque. In Bakersfield's Old Town Kern neighborhoodalso known as the Basque Blockyou'll find the largest concentration of Basque restaurants in the United States. Basque Restaurants in New York and East Coast. Then theres salad like Greek salad, but with a tangy dressing and a plate of pickled tongue (yum!). This error message is only visible to WordPress admins, My aita had a great time watching the pilotariak at the BCC this weekend. The no-frills 1950s dinner house is one of Bakersfields most popular eateries, serving specialties like oxtail soup and perfectly crispy French fries. What a wonderful website! It all needs to be consumed before the main course, which might be roasted lamb leg, beef or oxtail stew, or fried chicken. Wow, their meats were some of the tenderest we've ever had. (661) 324-2961, Narducci's Caf622 East 21st Street Banquet Hall/Venue (661) 885-8515, Noriega's Basque Restaurant4809 Stockdale Hwy There is also a lovely patio area that is probably a great place to sit on warm evenings. Chance of rain 40%.. Overcast with rain showers at times. amzn_assoc_linkid = "23fed3e85ca8b79837c918e0c4c48c44"; According to my Spain expert, the food in the Basque restaurants in Bakersfield seem to come from the same region. Bakersfield, CA 93308 Salad, soup & tongue was good. However, considering the level of colorful obscenities, the act of answering a phone seems to pale in comparison! So you leave shaking, with your 8 year old son crying and shaking.. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; We would certainly eat here again any time we were in Bakersfield. It is Spanish Basque food. 18 Month Jamn Serrano $16.00. Lingua Franca opens on this L.A. landmark. Oh no, what sad news! Chalet Basque Restau. 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. I was very happy with the steak and I gave him half. The restaurant needs a little upgrade in decor, but it is very clean and interesting. Basque meals are similar to French cuisine. Note: your question will be posted publicly on the Questions & Answers page. The sauces were excellent. Mon - Closed . 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. Bakersfield is home to the largest collection of Basque restaurants in the United States. Roasted leg of lamb implies a dry preparation. He was 95, led a really wonderful life. We ordered one dinner without entree and one with roast lamb. Bakersfield, CA 93305 There was one lady sitting there on a barstool who greeted us with a friendly hi. 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 Bakersfield's 89-Year-Old Basque Institution Noriega Hotel Closes Permanently. Oh no! It is Spanish Basque food. The wife's pork chops were large and juicy. They have great stories, if its not busy, and obviously many customers are regulars. Benji's French-Basque Restaurant. 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 Once I just got the set-up, which is more than enough food to satisfy you - soup, beans, salsa, bread, pickled tongue, salad, vegetable and fries. The restaurant needs a little upgrade in decor, but it is very clean and interesting. So here's the 2019 update on restaurants serving Basque food in the United States. At lunch if you want all the trimmings you pay $4 extra. We parked in the parking lot and entered through the bar. Overcast with rain showers at times. The bar was nice and looked like a cool place to hang out. The cuisine has an upscale appeal while welcoming in the casual diner. We will definitely be back again the next time we go through town. everyone a choice. The set ups are good with the soup alittle on the weak side. Bakersfield, CA 93309. So heres the 2019 update on restaurants serving Basque food in the United States. Las Tapatias ($$) Food Trucks, Mexican Distance: 0.05 miles. 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. 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. Basque restaurants in Idaho. Opening Hours. This restaurant is well known for serving French and Spanish cuisines. The Basque Cultural Center hosts many dinners, banquets and parties daily in its three banquet rooms, a spacious dining room, and an outdoor covered solarium. We did notice a large banquet room that faced the front with large windows, so they can accommodate larger parties. All dinner meals come with soup, salad, bread, beans, spicy tomato sauce, vegetable and tongue salad. This was my first experience with Basque food and I was so excited to be there. Its really nice to see this blog. The food was VERY plentiful and so delicious. Brought us water and then took our order. Open. Its dining room walls are lined with black-and-white photos of Basque pioneers. Yvonne Etcheveste, former owner of the Chateau Basque in Bakersfield and my cousin, shared her version of Basque vegetable soup. now for rental rates and other information about this property. I had to scale down, Frank Maitia Jr. said. Are you sure you want to delete this answer? 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. Compared to the other 4 or 5 Basque restaurants, I wouldrank this one toward the bottom of the list.More, If you're in Bakersfield and would like to enjoy a lovely dinner, followed by drunk fellow patron yelling at you for answering your cell phone, then be told by said patron to "get the f""" out and take your a"" hol" kid with you," Irecommend you try Chalet Basque on Oak Street. MORE STORIES FROM EUSKAL KAZETA They have a separate bar and it looked like a band was setting up to play on Friday. it came to $26. Service was slow sometimes, the sides did not come with the meal. Read More> Named After: Benji's Bakersfield Life (October 2014) Bakersfield, California 93305, 1918 Eye Street 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. Try their butterfinger pie for dessert! They have great stories, if its not busy, and obviously many customers are regulars.More, I went to this place about 20 years ago and wanted to take my wife, so she could experience Basque Food. amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; Some serve traditional Basque American boarding house style dinners, while others just have a few Basque dishes for you to try. 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. The chowder was great! Dining and Drinking, Restaurant, Hot Dog Joint, American Restaurant, Fast Food Restaurant . It was called The Basque Cafe. The food was good, it's the traditional basque farmers food that's been a staple in Bakersfield". Jessica was our server and the ONLY server (some people might just be impatient). Basque cuisine is at the heart of Basque culture, influenced by the neighboring communities and the excellent produce from the sea and the land. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Great dining experience. She was 92. I almost got up and had to go get the drinks from the bar myself. More recently, however, the location became a detriment as Old Town Kern lost its sheen. Love that Donosti provides these opportunities , 3 Basque Restaurants Featured on The Food Network, 7 Videos on Basque Sheepherders in the United States. 620 East 19th St, Bakersfield, CA 93305 +1 661-327-9584. You may want to ask for it on the side. It was light and flaky and cooked to perfection. 4001 Rosedale Hwy The food tastes home-cooked and not restaurant portioned. The member built Basque Cultural Center in South San Francisco operates under the leadership of General Manager, Francois Camou, and Executive Chef, Michel Veron. Seated promptly but took forever to get order taken! Bass said he personally received requests to save items for posterity, including from the Basque Museum in Boise and a museum on the Basque diaspora in the Basque Country. 515 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; He came by only to drop off the food. T / 661-328-0400. They still serve dinner as family style, which I enjoy. Sad, the place and food was so dated. Were gonna try to make it look the same, he said. Everything in the setup, seemed like they were scrimping on ingredients to save money. Nice atmosphere." Wool Growers Restaurant 481 $$ "Bakersfield, prepare yourself for a stop at a historic Spanish and French Basque dining." more Luigi's Restaurant and Delicatessen Next, we bring you an iconic Bakersfield Italian joint, Luigi's Restaurant and Delicatessen. I used to come up to Bakersfield with my grandmother and got off the train at the old Baker street station. We would certainly eat here again any time we were in Bakersfield. The Pyrenees dark wood bar, vinyl booths, throbbing jukebox, and neon Budweiser sign attract motorcycle clubs, indie bands, and Basque old-timers alike. Menu - Check out the Menu of Noriega's Bakersfield, Bakersfield at Zomato for Delivery, Dine-out or Takeaway. The place was dark inside, not too many windows. Tag #VISITCALIFORNIA on Instagram to have your trip featured on our page. Meats are so so. Whats going on? Required fields are marked *. The menu has a good selection of items with great specials. That was the charm of Noriegas, he said. I had the filet cooked with a pepper cognac sauce and my husband had the roasted leg of lamb. The new Noriega's will open as soon as possible, according to Osathanugrah. Basically, in a nutshell, the economy got us, she said. Its hard on them., She said her father-in-law died earlier this year. Steak was tough & no flavor & not a filet. #tulsaartsdistrict #tulsafood. Looking for your new favorite restaurant? 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. 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 Dining and Drinking, Bar . He never even came by to refill my husband's water glass. . 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. 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 . We looked up and 2 of the 3 light bulbs above our seat were burned out. 4809 Stockdale Highway, 661-885-8515, facebook.com/noriegasbasque Hours: Breakfast 7-10 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. According to my Spain expert, the food in the Basque restaurants in Bakersfield seem to come from the same region. 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. If you would like to experience this in a "family" restaurant I would also recommend Chalet Basque!!! Get quick answers from Chalet Basque staff and past visitors. The waiter made it very clear that he was uninterested in serving us. Lisa L. I was told that should I ever make it to Bakersfield that I should try Basque food. The food is amazing here. I will still go here for cheap and plentiful eats. To find out more about the cookies we use, see our Privacy Policy. 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. And one Bakersfield delicacy: pickled tongue. There was only one waitress on duty because it was 3 in the afternoon. It has been watered down and Americanized a bit. It would easily feed two people who were very hungry. (661) 323-0053, Pyrenees Caf601 Sumner Street Each dining hall has its specialties, but one fact unites them: Basque food is served in hearty, prodigious quantities. It was cold inside the bar, which was empty, and only slightly warmer in the restaurant, my wife was shivering when we left. Menu. If you would like to experience this in a "family" restaurant I would also recommend Chalet Basque!!! But the Lamb and the Veal were dry. 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. Bakersfield, CA 93304 Owner was floating around and more concerned about ticket sales..not patronsfood is good but soda tastes like can! (661) 328-0400, Benji's French Basque Restaurant4001 Rosedale Highway I was very happy with the steak and I gave him half. Phone (661) 885-8515. Everything in the setup, seemed like they were scrimping on ingredients to save money. In Bakersfields Old Town Kern neighborhoodalso known as the Basque Blockyou'll findthe largest concentration of Basque restaurants in the United States. The food tastes home-cooked and not restaurant portioned. 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. Basque Restaurants in Bakersfield. The description on the restaurant says Hungarian. 4001 Rosedale Hwy Bakersfield, CA 93308 T / 661-328-0400. What are people saying about basque restaurants in Bakersfield, CA? Read our story about Noriegas James Beard award. Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat Have your best lunch in Bakersfield in this restaurant which serves the most flavorful dishes in huge portions. They just didnt spend the time there that they should have. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. In-Depth Research Available for this Property. 525 Sumner St Bakersfield, CA 93305 Permanently closed this restaurant on May 1, 2020. Surprisingly the entree was quite good, my roast beef was slightly pink, very tender, really good. The restaurant was named an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation in 2011. Benjis is more French than Spanish (frogs legs are popular), but the big ticket is a dessert soufflchocolate, lemon, Grand Marnier, or raspberry. The placed has been remodeled and enlarged to accommodate the large clientele they have. Huell Howser Wool Growers Basque Restaurant - Bakersfield, CA. Id be happy to add more. Most dinners at the traditional Basque family-style restaurants start with soup. 0.94 miles. They also have a bar/lounge and outside patio area. Twenty years ago, 95% of the shepherds in Kern County--the largest sheep county in the state--were Basque, Iturriria said . Unless you and your family want to be traumatized! We didnt but were clued in and it was great. Chalet Basque Restaurant (661) 327-2915 We make ordering easy. Benji's is one of several Basque restaurants in Bakersfield and is really quite good. These are some highly rated basque restaurants in Bakersfield, CA: What are some basque restaurants with a large number of reviews in Bakersfield, CA? He was expecting a leg of lamb with the bone and instead got two slices of leg of lamb soaked in gravy. Some items are gluten free. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. You have permission to edit this article. 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! 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. 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! The broker led them to local restaurant owner, Bill Osathanugrah, who already owns two restaurants in Bakersfield, Happy Wings and KKs Caf. French Restaurants in Bakersfield. The countrys largest concentration of Basque restaurants upholds the areas Basque heritage with boarding-house-style meals of oxtail soup and myriad side dished. Old-world charming, Luigi's is a family-operated business that was established over 100 years ago. 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 bread was off the shelf plain sliced bread. Nevertheless, locals celebrated marriages, birthdays and other special occasions at the historic institution, whose old-world homey setting and generous portions made the clientele happy. Recent Stories. She and JB honed their skills as cooks and servers . Im glad he didnt have to witness it., Positive Cases Among Kern Residents: 310,095, Recovered and Presumed Recovered Residents: 305,002, Percentage of all cases that are unvaccinated:71, Percentage of all hospitalizations that are unvaccinated:83.13, Source: Kern County Public Health Services Department. They purchased a little cafe on 21st Street, she said, in a building that is no longer there. It took forever for him to bring us our drinks. The mealsseem a bit on the expensive side, until you realize what you get with them. It's a must while visiting this place to taste delicious coffee or great tea. Thank you for reading! When your entre comes, you also get buttery green beans, really French fries, and baked beans. I can remember a tastier menu. I prefer the family-style leg-o-lamb steaks and sirloins w/ frites and vinaigrette salade a la Elko. I will still go here for cheap and plentiful eats.More, We have eaten here many times & usually better. Not once did he ask if we were enjoying the food or to check on us. We parked in the parking lot and entered through the bar. Soooooo in conclusion, do I recommend Chalet Basque? We got the set-up and the beef bourguignon. We could see the handwriting on the wall, Ladd said, explaining Noriegas closure. 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. I look forward to trying more Basque restaurants, but I doubt I will go back here.More, We had an early Saturday dinner yesterday while passing through Bakersfield. Come join us at Restaurant Basque for a unique exciting dining experience unlike anything else in Tulsa. I must say I liked this place best of the three we have tried so far. 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.