After moving to Genoa almost 6 years ago, Gayle and I finally set foot in JT Basque, the iconic restaurant in the Carson Valley (Daniels in Genoa is #2). And we brought some Bay Area friends with us. We also came in mid-week to avoid any crowd potential. Our evening began at the bar with a round of Picon Punch, the official drink of the State of Nevada. I first thought that this was a drink that you only ordered once, but this small glass of goodness actually grew on us. After closing the bar bill and looking at all the branded merchandise, it was off to the main dining room. We chose the Basque Family Style side of the menu, which at the end of the evening resulted in number of take home containers. Our 4 choices were Basque Chicken, Fish, Lamb Shoulder, and Lamb Chops. Those came with Vegetable Soup, Salad, Beef Stew, Beans, French Fries, Bottle of Red Wine, Coffee, and Ice Cream. for the Table. These inclusive choices were priced just south of $40 and that's what the bill was at the end of the evening, as there were no extras needed. OK, the included wine was a little on the sweet side, but we didn't see the need to "upgrade" as we were too busy concentrating on the food. It was all good, especially the Soup and the French Fries. The only regret was not being here on the night they served Huckleberry Ice Cream, but our Vanilla or Pistachio Almond was good enough. JT Basque is family generation owned, and we certainly felt welcome and well taken care of. The rustic decor was also cool, as was the happy energy in the dining room. We promise to come back and not be strangers. read more

The JT is by far my favorite Basque restaurant in the entire region and I'm not shy about that, telling anyone who will listen that this is the basque experience they need to have to understand why this is so beloved, and I'm so embarrassed to say I had not written a review professing the same until today! Why is this THE ONE when it comes to Basque dining? Well... It's steeped in history in a way you can feel from the moment you step onto the wooden sidewalk out front. You'll see it on the walls, hear it in the conversations, and taste it in the food. This is simply a special place. You'll feel truly at home, and that's because the same family has operated it for countless generations, passing down legendary hospitality like a family heirloom. From friendly greetings in the "lobby" to the homey vibes and warm servers, you'll love every moment. Doesn't hurt that the food is delicious and plentiful. Everything is made from scratch with a lot of love, and each dish is huge and hearty. Lamb chops and lamb shoulder steaks are always A+ but be sure to order the desired temp because they don't always ask. Steaks are solid too. Same tip as above. And for all three, don't forget to get them smothered in whole cloves of roasted garlic. Personally I usually can't say no to sweetbreads at a Basque spot, and that's the case here as well. They're served in a rich, garlicky and well seasoned gravy, studded with red and green peppers and whole cloves of garlic. It's the perfect dish to use up the extra bread because you won't want to leave a drop. Make sure you bring a couple bucks to leave up on the ceiling! The bartenders can show you how to make em stick. And of course, have a picon punch! read more

We really like this place, it rarely disappoints! Had their grilled chicken breast sandwich on a bun and both the bun and chicken breast were over charred. My husband had their fish of the day which was grilled Pacific Cod, which he enjoyed. Service was ok, I mentioned my concern about the over charring to the waitress and she said 'I'm sorry, I'll let them know'. read more

9/29/2025- I can't believe it's been four years since the last visit.. On our annual last of the season fishing trip and decided to stay in town- so we could leave earlier and sauce some time.. Perfect timing as they open early instead of a traditional 5 pm.. Arrived and it was already busy.. Service is friendly and the food is wholesome.. I love family style and how it's served... being one who cooks and serves five course meals.. this is a treat for me.. White bean soup with cabbage, served with bread-yum.. Salad- with a nice and light dressing.. Beans and chicken and rice-.. chicken fell off the bone-.. Entree- I went with the Basque chicken- tender chicken breast with a light tomato sauce.. Lamb chops tender and just enough seasoning-.. Best part- hot and crispy French fries !! Dinner was also served with a house red wine-.. Definitely making several trips next year! Vanilla or mint chip ice to end the meal read more

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A friend told us JT Basque Bar & dining room, had great food, and he was right! We went for a late lunch, and even then the place was busy. It has a comfortable, old-timey atmosphere, and the staff was very friendly. At our server's recommendation, I ordered the lamb burger with blue cheese and olive tapenade, and my husband ordered a Nevada Burger. Both arrived quickly and were served with seasoned shoestring fries and a basic (lettuce) green salad. However, the burgers stole the show! The lamburger was garlicky and delicious. I can't even describe the topping...it was amazing. I can see myself craving it. My husband's burger was equally tasty, complete with chard onion, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. Next time he said he would order it medium-rare so he could appreciate the the true flavor of the meat. Now I'm going to recommend it to friends! Check it out. read more

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Lots of food, because we had the grandkids with us they put us away from the mainstream restaurant, which was an excellent idea! We had a nice variety of food, you will not go away hungry. read more

Amazing experience. All you need to decide is what entree you'd like (for dinner) and the family style courses keep flowing. As a Basque-American this was an incredibly special experience, and the best Basque restaurant I've attended so far. Each course was delicious and impressed us. We got generous serving sizes and had some left over. Our server Gina was so kind, bartender Travis was so fun. We were skiing at Kirkwood and made the 45 minute drive, it was 10000% worth it! If we lived closer we'd bring family and friends all the time. Special place. Thank you for entertaining and indulging this fellow Basco! read more

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Great sausage in the sandwich. Polite and nice waitress. Liked the real cloth napkins.. read more

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This place reminds me of the older establishments I used to go to in California. Good service, nice ambiance, and good food. I had the lamb chops and it was delicious. The decor could use some updating but it was a nice change from the fancy high priced restaurant. I got soup, salad, bread, the main course of lamb chops, french fries, and ice cream for $39. What a deal. read more

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About twice a year the JT Basque Restaraunt has a breakfast, that was today and if you get the chance to go, you definitely should. it's a sappy community event well worth your time and energy. Service was fast and efficient. The ambience is small town and lively. You'll know people if you live here and if you are visiting people are friendly, you can get to know them. Again, if you got the chance, enjoy read more

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Legendary and deeply authentic Basque restaurant in the Mayberry vibe of Gardnerville. Go for the full lunch of stew, steak, lamb, fries, salad, vino, sides and listen to the local cowboys, cops, ranchers, construction workers, talk beside you. read more

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The wife said to me that we had to do "the experience of a true basque place." Totally glad she said that and planned this place. Awesome experience. First of all, Carrie was our server, and we couldn't have gotten better service. Thank you, Carrie, for elevating the awesome food and historical place we were in. I DID feel like an outsider lol, as everyone who sat at tables, served, passed through seemed to know each other, and gave each other hugs and asked about their family. It is definitely a local hub that us tourists should be glad we can experience. First of all, I am never going to argue with $5 Lagunitas. Great value. We both also tried the state drink, the Picon, and it was interestingly good and unique. Check that off our Nevada trip list. We did the family-style dinner for food. You aren't going to love everything when there are this amount of things, but we came close. Soup, Salad, Stew, Beans, French Fries, Bottle of Red Wine, Coffee, and Ice Cream. Wine was solid, extremely solid for coming with the meal. Salad was great. The vegetable bean soup wasn't my style, and the I am not an expert on beef stew nor beans, but my wife likes all three and said they were awesome. I was waiting for the other elements. The fries were amazing. I didn't want to break any rules and ask for dipping sauce, but the fries didn't need them. Delicious on their own. The steak, which I believe they say is from cattle down the street, tasted like so. Sorry, cattle down the street. I LOVED it. The fact that this steak was just PART of a huge meal and could be an entree at an expensive steak place is the best compliment I can give. Amazing. By the end of that, I was expecting pedestrian ice cream. NO. NOOO. The ice cream was awesome. We had the maple nut and strawberry cheesecake. The place feels like history, the bar area is SO cool (although you can't do family style at the bar understandably), and everything about this place is incredible. If in the area, MAKE TIME. I highly recommend this place, and see you there (the next time we are in the area)... read more

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I got the pleasure of getting to come here for my company holiday party. I was memorized by the old town ,homey feel. The walls displayed photos that took you back in time while still anchoring you to the feel of modern family style etiquette. I ordered the basque chicken and tried the traditional drinks they had. The sides were all potent with authentic feel and flavor. I especially enjoyed the ox tails! read more

This place is fun. Work with the owner to toss a dollar bill so it sticks to the ceiling and tendons. The kids will love the challenge of getting their bill to join hundreds of others on the lobby ceiling. Then enjoy a nice meal with unlimited soup, salad, French fries and beef stew. Yum. In fact, you can have just the sides alone as a meal. We had top sirloin steak and grandson had lamp chops. Just good home style food and cooking. Sit, relax and feel the vibe as you enjoy a nice meal. Great for large family groups. read more

First time at JT Basque and it was wonderful for atmosphere, service and especially for food. If you're not ordering all courses, your plate comes with fries and tossed salad. The lamb burger was excellent and done to a pink perfection. We ordered the pacific cod that was charred, still tender and lightly seasoned to perfection. The restaurant's original building dates back to the late 1800s. It was moved to its current location in Gardnerville from Carson City. Forever an institution, JT Basque is perfect for a late lunch with friends or for that family dinner of 20. read more

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This place is an experience, a dining destination. Basque style food. A light onion, cabbage and carrot soup was served first with delicious bread, perfect for sopping. Then a hefty salad with a light dressing, hot, skinny French fries and beans served family style, you pick your entree. I had the Pacific Cod, Husband and my friend had the sirloin, another had the lamb. Everything was delicious. We did not have the Picon drinks but tasted. Whoa! A lovely family owned establishment for years, it is clean, cozy yet spacious. My friend grew up with the owner who greeted us warmly. The ice cream for dessert was the creamiest. Much of food is locally sourced. Take a try at the end of your meal to place a dollar on the ceiling. I couldn't do it so Etienne did it from the toe of his shoe! I didn't get pictures of the food, we were too busy eating. But we did get a few pix! read more

J T Basque Bar & Dining Room - Dollars on ceiling. - Basque Near Me - Gardnerville, Nevada

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Quaint restaurant in downtown Gardnerville! The service was impeccable, we are on a special diet and they more than accommodated us. The food was delicious! The menu is a family style menu served with a variety of food. We had beef stew that was so flavorful- a steak that was seasoned and cooked perfectly with dessert of ice cream and coffee. Don't miss this hidden jewel. read more

Great service from Katie, great food, wonderful friendly staff!! My first experience with this restaurant was when I was young and with my parents on vacation in Tahoe every year. It was part of the family tradition to go to JT Basque for basque food while on our vacation! My Dad loved this restaurant, especially the sweetbreads! We continue on with this family tradition, the memories of great food and family. Thank you!! read more

Food was divine Vegetable and White bean soup light green salad rice with chicken thighs and Beans and we chose Cheese Ravioli with a Cream Sauce and Salmon (I didn't care for the Salmon ( but I never do) was still delicious Our server Rose was just a delight, owner Devony seated us and gave us additional information. You walk in through a quaint little bar and the Restaurant looked elegant, however dress and atmosphere were casual. Will definitely be going again read more

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We did a short drive to Gardnerville from Reno and wanted to try an established restaurant in the area. JT Basque Bar & Dining Room in located in a historic building, and right when you walk in, you can see the memorabilia. Ask the bartender about the ceiling; it's part of a tradition. We went for lunch, and tried the lunch menu rather than the traditional family style meal. We definitely need to go back for the traditional faire, but we enjoyed the items on the lunch menu. The ice cream flavors change, so it's good to ask. Definitely a good note to end on. There's plenty of parking, and it's an easy establishment to find. We will try it again with a larger party. read more

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It is expensive The service is friendly and helpful The seating is comfortable. The place looks nice. The food is so so at best. read more

The ambiance is so relaxing, sit down, no rush, very friendly service. I have never had the family dining experience and it was like eating at home. Nothing spectacular but something very warm and inviting. The food taste was great and I loved the Basque themed food selections. I don't live locally, but when I visit again I will insist on coming back here! read more

great food! great service! the ambiance over the holidays were so festive! wonderful place to take the family for sure!

I have never been to a Basque restaurant before and to am so glad this was my first experience. I loved it! We arrived at 4:30pm and the dinning room because quickly packed with other families. We were seated and immediately given a red table wine, bread and butter. The first course was soup, chicken and rice was the soup of the day. Second course was a salad. Third course was a beef stew and beans. There were several options for entrees. I ordered the chicken, my mother ordered the salmon and my husband ordered the lamb chops. Looking back, we could have easily shared entrees. Rather than ordering our own. Our entrees were served with French fries for the whole table. After our meal we were given a choice of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream. What a meal! For four people, four entrees, four pecons, and all of the courses, it cost roughly $185. What a fun experience! I hope to be back soon and will be exploring more basque restaurants in the future. read more

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Pre fixe menu family style dinner. Bean and vegetable soup, bread, chicken and rice, beans, salad, French fries and then your choice of entree. We had the sirloin steak which was pretty good but the grilled ahi was dry. Of all the sides, we liked the bread, the fries, chicken and rice. Price also includes house wine, coffee and ice cream. Good deal. Service was excellent. Felt very welcomed. Ambiance was warm and cozy. read more

When we were looking for property in Gardnerville or Minden to build our house, we didn't know anything about any of the local businesses. We asked the realtor where he'd recommend for dinner that wasn't super pricey. He raved about this restaurant so we went with high expectations. I can honestly say it was the worst meal I've ever had at a restaurant. I didn't know that basque style means you get whatever they're serving that night. Period. Do you what this? Or do you want that? Neither. I'd rather have...no such thing. Needless to say, we won't ever go back. read more

I was so excited when I learned that JT Basque in Gardnerville, NV had sweetbreads on the menu. (I haven't been able to find sweetbreads on a menu since Guisti's in Walnut Grove CA burned down years ago.) We drove 4-1/2 hours from Fresno and met some friends there for dinner. I have eaten at many Basque restaurants. I have to admit, I can't remember when I've had a more disgusting, inedible meal in my entire life at any restaurant prior to this. The set-up was OK with a thin tasty tomato-based vegetable soup and some bread and butter to dip, some chopped lettuce with just oil and vinegar, (very bland, no garlic, onion, spices or herbs) some tasty beans, and a lamb stew which was really very good, but they do not offer the traditional pickled tongue or blue cheese on the menu. My wife and my friend ordered the allegedly "famous" lamb chops". My wife's loin chops were cooked to a perfect medium rare but were very bland and unseasoned with only the optional chopped garlic topping for seasoning. My friend ordered the same, only his were well done, dry, bland and gamey. A cooking preference wasn't offered. His wife ordered the chicken, which I'm told was very good. I ordered the sweetbreads. I received a premium priced dish of sauteed mushrooms and green peppers with small portion of some sort of indistinguishable flavorless mush mixed in on one side of the dish. If there were sweetbreads in the dish, I couldn't tell. No flavor, no texture whatsoever, just mush! It was absolutely disgusting! read more

Best Basque food in Nevada. Consistently good food and service for well over 40 years.

Always great service and tons of food. I absolutely love the fries. Hint... put the beans on your salad! It is the traditional Basque way. You won't regret it. read more

Nice Basque restaurant. The food is good, and they bring alot of it. The salad is just lettuce and the beans are okay but nothing special. Fries are phenomenal. Service is excellent. I ordered the lamb shoulder steak and really enjoyed it. My wife had the lamb chops, and they were good. Garlic loaded on both! Our friend had the sirloin and said that it was good. His wife had cod and said that it was dry. Great atmosphere and it is kept clean, inside and out. You can tell that there is a pride in ownership. We met the owner, and she was a lovely lady. So friendly and welcoming. read more

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We just had such a unique dinner at JT Basque! The family style was perfect for my boyfriend and I, we left full and the quality was top. Lizzie was so welcoming and suggested some of her favorites to us. Pace yourself because you'll have plenty of food. We both ordered the top sirloin as the entree and it's cooked perfectly, melts in your mouth. read more

Food and service is always friendly and top notch! We really enjoy the environment, very homey. You feel like family eating here. read more

An absolute gem. Our daughter and son-in-law who live in Stateline, NV took us to dinner, which they claim as their favorite restaurant. they have a family style menu which includes sides, a bottle of red wine and ice cream and coffee. The food was excellent and the service better. I can definitely see us going back the next time we visit. read more

JT has the Basque food around and world class Picon's ! As 3rd generation Nevadan's this is the place to go! I do have to laugh at the post saying the food was not good, no selections for sides just what they bring you, and not a steak house etc. You are right! Its not a steak house or a 5 course suit and dress dinner spot. Its a world class family style Basque food establishment! The family generations of love going into every drink poured and plate served by everyone that works there and calls Nevada home. Keep up the best establishment around JT crew! read more

The most delicious burger and French fries. Service was impeccable and the ambiance was so cute. read more

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We stopped in for a couple of beers and had the pleasure of meeting Charity behind the bar, she was awesome! Super friendly, gave us great local tips, and even helped us find a spot to camp for the night before we continued our trip to Virginia City. We didn't have dinner this time, but the menu looked great. We'll definitely be back to try it on our next trip through town! read more

I stoped by in Gardnervile in my way to Reno at this JT bodega/ Basque "restaurant". I do not know how this restaurant has 4.4 stars. The soup was v low quality, a long watery liquid with boiled rests of onions. The grilled lamb had a dubious smell, the bean was like from an old expired can, the Service was rude, she attentioned me that I do not pay attention to her recommended plates, she looked in front of me what tip did I give her. The worst "basque" experience that I had in any restaurant. Categorically not recommended. read more

Exceptional food and service. Come hungry! We didn't realize that in addition to the main course, dinner came with soup, salad, french fries, beef stew, beans, wine and dessert. The beef stew was my favorite. Our table ordered the chicken, lamb chops, salmon and the steak. All was delicious, but the steak stood out as a show stopper. Great family environment. There's no doubt that I lived closer, I would be a regular. read more

Greatest building and ambiance serving the best Basque food experience.. Wonderful patient and friendly staff.. Great, historical, authentic bar with fun, "fab" bartenders... read more

Traditional Basque food. Not for everybody, tripe, sweetbreads, pigs feet on the menu which makes it so unique. Lamb, steak, chicken & burgers. Served family style w: salad, soup, beans, stew, fries and a bottle of wine. Have eaten there since the 70's and always look forward to going back. read more