family style basque meal at the martin hotel in winnemucca nevada

Basque Food in Nevada

Whether it’s a Picon Punch or a generous, family-style feast, no visit to Nevada is complete without sampling one of the state’s most famous regional cuisines—and experiencing the culture that crafted it.

The Basques are a welcoming and vibrant people from a region on the border between Spain and France. Basque immigrants first came to Nevada during the gold rush in the 19th century, and then again later to put their sheepherding skills to use in northern Nevada’s rugged, mountainous terrain. Nevada’s Basque people intertwined their unique culture with other influences that would shape the region, putting their distinct stamp on Nevada’s personality that still thrives today.

The Martin Hotel in Winnemucca

Highlights

Best Basque Food in Nevada
Nevada’s Official State Drink
Basque Festivals in Nevada

Our Favorite Basque Restaurants in Nevada

The best way to learn about Nevada’s unique ties to Basque culture? Help yourself! Step into storied boarding-houses-turned restaurants across the Silver State for hearty meals, lively celebrations, personal history lessons, and one mighty memorable cocktail.

Where are you visiting?

Filter by

Sort by:

There are no items matching your search.

picon punch — Picon Punch at Louis’ Basque Corner

Get to Know Basque Food

Today, Basque culture still serves up incredible, traditional dishes at restaurants in Reno, Elko, Winnemucca, and Gardnerville.

Tapas and lighter lunch options abound when it comes to Basque food. But the best way to experience the cuisine and culture is with a multi-course dinner. For this authentic Nevada rite of passage, order main courses like garlic-loaded steaks or lamb chops followed by a smorgasbord of courses like onion and red pepper soup, fresh green salad, golden French fries, green beans, spaghetti, and red table wine. Finish with ice cream or a round of dessert cheeses, then wash it all down with the official state drink of Nevada: the legendary Picon Punch. This cocktail packs more than a little punch, and each Basque eatery puts their own slight spin on it—giving you all the more reason to find out which restaurant whips up your favorite variation.

As Seen On

From untouched climbing and turquoise mining to burro-filled towns and motels covered in clowns, follow Alex Honnold as he explores what the Silver State has in store for him—and you.

Watch the Series

The Martin Hotel

What is Basque?

The Basque people are a unique ethnic group hailing from southern France and northern Spain. They speak the Basque language, of which several dialects exist today—anywhere between five and nine, with dozens of subdialects and minor varieties.

In northern Nevada, Basque men mostly worked as sheepherders in the high desert mountain terrain, while women held various hospitality roles at Basque boarding houses. When the men returned to town for supplies or an off-season, they headed for the familiarity of these Basque-run establishments, where they could grab a bite to eat, drink, play traditional games, bunk together, and swap tales in their own language with their fellow countrymen.

Solo sheepherding was a lonely lifestyle, and having a strong Basque community meant holding onto their culture and weaving it into the fabric of their communities for generations to come. Its significance can still be felt today.

Get a taste of today’s Basque influence at a handful of still standing—and still authentic—Basque boarding houses across northern Nevada, like The Star Hotel, The Martin Hotel, Louis’ Basque Corner, and J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room.

Do as the
Basques Do

Immerse yourself in traditional woodchopping, weightlifting, tug-of-war, dancing, music, handmade crafts, and rural sports competitions at annual Basque festivals, including the nationally famous National Basque Festival in Elko. Not only will you meet proud Basque descendants in traditional garb, you’ll also get the chance to step on the dance floor and enjoy lively accordions, tambourines, clarinets, flutes, and stringed drums.

If you haven’t figured it out already, this culture knows how to party. If you think you can keep up, don’t miss the Saturday night “Grand Finale.” Be sure to wear white—out here, red wine splotches are badges of honor. The National Basque Festival in Elko is typically held during Independence Day weekend in July. Spectators welcome; participants encouraged.

In Winnemucca, summer heats up with a celebration that’s anything but ordinary. The Winnemucca Basque Festival—held each June—is where culture meets pure fun, no passport required. Catch the parade through downtown before feasting on chorizo or participating in the sheepherder bread auction.

Louis’ Basque Corner

Reno Basque Festival

Each July, the Reno Basque Festival honors Basque sheepherding traditions through storytelling, exhibitions, and communal meals. Here, you can fill your plate with delicious Basque food including iconic dishes like lamb stew and solomo.

Expect a vibrant mix of music, dancing, and folkloric performances, with locals and visitors coming together to celebrate the Basque nation’s rich cultural tapestry of experiences.