From Boise, Idaho, to Chino, California, here’s where to sate your appetite for Basque cuisine across the West.
In the May/June issue, on newsstands now, we turn our attention to Boise’s Basque community and its San Inazio Festival. While that city’s Basque community is significant and it makes for Basque great dining, it’s not the only Western city with a sizeable Basque presence and restaurants.
The Basque Market
Basque pintxos (snacks) and beverages daily, three-course dinners on Friday nights, and paella on the patio at noon on Wednesdays and Fridays highlight this downtown Boise Basque Block mainstay. Get the Basque Market paella recipe here. 608 W. Grove St., Boise, Idaho, 208.433.1208, thebasquemarket.com
Bar Gernika
Traditional Basque bites, including croquetas, chorizo, and lamb sandwiches, are served in a charming building on the Basque Block. 202 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise, Idaho, 208.344.2175, bargernika.com
Leku Ona
A smorgasbord of pub food and Basque favorites like solomo (loin) sandwiches, paella, lamb shank, beef tongue, and more rounds out the lunch and dinner menus of this Basque Block staple. 117 S. 6th St., Boise, Idaho, 208.345.6665, lekuonaid.com
Epi’s A Basque Restaurant
This family-oriented Basque dining experience is complete with a children’s menu and Basque favorites like lamb stew, ink fish, and grilled lamb chops. 1115 N. Main St., Meridian, Idaho, 208.884.0142, episabasquerestaurant.com
Louis’ Basque Corner
This popular Basque spot serves a host of traditional dishes but is best-known for its notorious picon punch, famed for burning the taste buds of drinkers into liking the one-of-a-kind cocktail. 301 E. 4th St., Reno, Nevada, 775.323.7203, louisbasquecorner.com
Centro Basco
Daily Basque lunch specials like pork roast and veal liver with onions accompany this fine-dining restaurant’s sprawling Basque dinner menu. 13432 Central Ave., Chino, California, 909.628.9014, centrobasco.net
Piperade
Named after the popular Basque stew-like dish featuring tomatoes, onions, peppers, and meats, this beloved Bay Area restaurant offers a plethora of classic options. 1015 Battery St., San Francisco, 415.391.2555, piperade.com
Read Feasting Basque in Boise.
Photography: Piperade (www.piperade.com), Shutterstock, Centro Basco/Facebook
From the May/June 2019 issue.