J T Basque Bar & Dining Room

J T Basque Bar & Dining Room

1426 U.S. Hwy 395 N, Gardnerville, NV 89410, United States

+1 775-782-2074

Restaurant, Bar
(1082)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Gardnerville, Nevada, J T Basque Bar & Dining Room offers an authentic taste of Basque cuisine far from the usual dining scene. This venerable establishment, set within a charming historic building adorned with photographs that tell stories of its rich past, immediately immerses guests in a warm and inviting atmosphere that bridges tradition with comfort.

The cuisine here pays homage to classic Basque flavors with a focus on hearty, thoughtfully prepared dishes that celebrate rich, robust ingredients. Standouts like the Lamb Shoulder Steak and Garlic Lamb Chops are cooked to perfection, delivering tender, savory bites bursting with depth and character. Equally enticing is the Steak Sandwich, a guest favorite praised for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, requiring no knife—a true testament to expert preparation. For those looking to explore something more adventurous, the menu features specialties like Ox Tail Stew and Tongue Stew, comforting options that embody the hearty soul of Basque cooking.

Seafood lovers will find delights in the Salmon and fresh Fish of the Day, each plate served with simple but perfectly executed accompaniments such as garlic-infused sides and crisp Shoestring Potatoes. Lighter fare like the vibrant Vinaigrette Salad and the soothing Tomato Chicken Rice Soup strike a wonderful balance on the menu, showcasing seasonal ingredients and flavors with a comforting Basque twist.

The drink selection complements the menu beautifully, featuring robust red wines like the Marqués De Riscal Reserva and the Campo Viejo Tempranillo, imported directly from Spain, as well as local favorites such as the JT House Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The bar also offers unique Basque-inspired cocktails like the Kalimoxto, blending tradition with a modern flair, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Service at J T Basque Bar & Dining Room is consistently described as warm, attentive, and knowledgeable. Guests like Jaspre Suen have admired the quick and friendly service amidst the charming historic walls, while Sam Carlson noted the cheerfulness of the bartenders and the attentiveness of their server throughout the visit. The communal, family-style dining atmosphere buzzes with lively conversations and hospitable energy, making it a perfect spot for everything from casual lunches to festive dinners.

What truly sets J T Basque Bar & Dining Room apart is its sincere commitment to preserving Basque culinary heritage while delivering generous portions at excellent value. Whether you're indulging in the housemade Chorizo Burger or savoring a classic Meatloaf, each dish resonates with authenticity and heart. Sweet endings like the subtly sweet and creamy Strawberry Ice Cream offer a delightful finish to any meal.

For those seeking a dining experience rich in history, flavor, and cultural pride, J T Basque Bar & Dining Room stands out as a genuine Gardnerville gem that repeatedly invites guests back for more.

Service options
Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Great beer selection Great cocktails Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Healthy options Private dining room Spirits Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Historic Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Tourists
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Saturday
    11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Jaspre Suen
    4 week ago

    Fantastic experience, historic building with photos lining the walls offers a great atmosphere. Service was quick and friendly, and the steak sandwich was so tender there was no need to use the knife. Incredibly concise menu and simple dishes, with excellent portion sizes for the price.

  • Sam Carlson
    4 week ago

    When we walked in we were greeted right away by the very cheery bar tender and very shortly the host. Our waitress was very happy to answer our questions about different items and was very attentive to us and her other tables our whole visit. The food was delicious and unique from other similar dishes I've had thanks to the particular recipes.

  • Jeremy Warren
    1 month ago

    JT Basque Restaurant and Bar delivers a classic, deeply satisfying Basque dining experience rooted in tradition, generosity, and comfort. From the moment the meal began, it was clear this is a place that respects heritage and focuses on doing simple food exceptionally well. The meal started with the soup and salad, both of which immediately set the tone. The soup was outstanding, rich, warming, and full of depth, the kind that feels slow-cooked and intentional. It was comforting without being heavy and served as the perfect introduction to the meal. The salad was fresh, crisp, and well balanced, offering a clean contrast that prepared the palate for what followed. Next came the beef stew and beans, a true cornerstone of Basque cuisine. The beef was incredibly tender, clearly braised with care, and infused with deep, savory flavor. The stew itself was hearty and well seasoned, while the beans were perfectly cooked, soft, flavorful, and absorbing the richness of the dish without losing their structure. Portions were generous and felt true to the communal, no-frills Basque tradition. The chicken was the standout of the entire meal. Cooked flawlessly, it was juicy, tender, and full of flavor, with a beautifully developed exterior. This was not an overcomplicated dish, just expertly prepared chicken done right, which is often harder to execute than people realize. It was easily one of the best chicken dishes I’ve had. The meal concluded with mint chocolate chip ice cream, a refreshing and nostalgic finish after such a rich and hearty spread. The balance of mint and chocolate was spot-on, providing a cool, clean ending that rounded out the experience perfectly. Overall, JT Basque Restaurant and Bar offers an authentic, comforting, and deeply satisfying dining experience. The food is honest, well executed, and rooted in tradition. Combined with warm hospitality and generous portions, this is a place that delivers exactly what it promises, and does it very well.

  • Les Day
    2 month ago

    Last Friday night my girlfriend and I rolled into JT Basque Bar & Dining Room, ready for a classic family-style feed. The place was humming—every table packed and conversations bouncing off the wood-paneled walls—but the host had us sipping a cold draft from the bar and seated within fifteen minutes. From the first pour our server kept things easy, explaining the set dinner, checking on refills, and never letting an empty platter linger. Dinner arrived in steady waves: a hearty tomato-based vegetable soup, followed by crisp greens lightly dressed and punctuated with a bit of pickled carrot and tongue—simple, fresh, and true to tradition. Next came the rich beef stew, creamy pinto beans, and a mountain of thin, perfectly salted fries that stole the show; we kept telling ourselves “just one more forkful” until the plate was bare. The house red flowed freely throughout, rustic and easy-drinking with the hearty food. For mains we split up—tender lamb shoulder piled with sautéed garlic and mushrooms for me, garlicky Basque scampi in tomato sauce for her. Both portions were generous enough to demand to-go boxes; the kitchen doesn’t skimp. Dessert closed things out with a scoop of ice cream (we’d already waved off the coffee), the cool sweetness cutting through the savory marathon we’d just enjoyed. The bill felt fair for the sheer volume and quality, and the staff’s genuine warmth matched the generous plates coming from the kitchen. If you’re looking for a lively, unpretentious spot where the food keeps coming and no one goes home hungry, JT Basque is well worth the stop—just arrive hungry and be ready to loosen the belt a notch.

  • Richard Wm. Fesler
    3 month ago

    Wow! Had an amazing lunch here with friends. Sweetbreads were done to perfection! Lamb was tasty. Steak good. Heard the chicken was dry. French fries where some of the best I've ever had. Staff was friendly and attentive. Family style dining. Over all: +A. I will be returning to try more dishes soon!

  • mk pe
    3 month ago

    4 of us went for dinner on Wednesday night. Very little wait and the service was impeccable. Definitely bring your appetite, lots of food to share and a bottle of wine to accompany your dinner. We all got the lamb as the main course. Wait until you try the stew. Absolutely delicious! Try the Pinion Punch it is amazing

  • Elisa Vazquez Roper
    4 month ago

    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!

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