Louis' Basque Corner

The Best Restaurants and Bars in Reno, Nevada | Eater Vegas

"There’s a deep legacy of Basque heritage throughout Northern Nevada, although its presence tends to diminish with each passing year. You’d never know it at Louis’ Basque Corner, which represents the culture with an authentic spirit and no signs of slowing down. The three-story building originally opened in 1908 as a hotel and became a Basque restaurant in 1967 under the ownership of Louis Erreguible. Not much has changed since then. In a style based on the habits of Basque immigrant field workers, the menu features a main course — usually some type of meat, which can be anything from charbroil-grilled steaks to roasted salmon or something more adventurous like beef tongue braised in vegetables or sautéed sweetbreads in a choice of sauces. The idea is to utilize the whole animal, especially lamb, since there’s a long legacy of Basque sheepherding in the Nevada hills. The dish comes with several family-style courses that include bread, salad, baked beans, fries, dessert, and even a glass of house wine. Most add on the signature Picon Punch, a cocktail of brandy, grenadine, and a burnt orange liqueur in a bell-shaped glass. Lunch service is a little more informal. Either way, there’s a communal spirit to the restaurant, so don’t be surprised to find yourself sharing a table with another party." - Rob Kachelriess