Basque culture and history run deep in parts of Nevada, especially in places like Gardnerville. A small town of about 6,000 residents, Gardnerville is the prominent home to a community of Basque settlers. Immigrant families such as the Lekumberrys of J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room brought to America not only their knowledge of sheepherding and entrepreneurship but also their love of good food.
The history of J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room is quite intriguing. The Victorian building that houses the restaurant was originally erected in a completely different city.
Facebook/JT Basque Bar & Dining Room In 1896, Gardnerville businessman Hans Nelson bought and moved the building more than thirty miles from Virginia City to Gardnerville - not a small feat in those days!
For over 100 years, the site served as a hotel, dining hall, and saloon, catering to the residents of Gardnerville, Nevada.
Flickr/Scott Schrantz
In 1947, Jean Lekumberry immigrated from the Basque region of France. He worked as a sheepherder along with his brother. However, in 1960, the Lekumberry brothers and Jean’s wife purchased the building with dreams of starting their own restaurant.
Facebook/JT Basque Bar & Dining Room
Carson Valley ranchers and townspeople were served tasty home-cooking under the new ownership. The J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room quickly established itself as an integral part of the larger community.
Facebook/JT Basque Bar & Dining Room Today, the restaurant continues to serve up scrumptious meals in its often full dining room.
The bar features alcoholic staples and some not-so-familiar Basque favorites. Experience a Picon Punch (brandy, grenadine, and Amer-Picon bitters).
TripAdvisor/JT Bar & Dining Room Hoping for some good luck? Try to stick a dollar bill to the ceiling, a tradition that was started by a regular patron long ago. All the money collected is donated to charity.
People travel from near and far for a taste of Basque cuisine. The lamb shank special is a must!
Facebook/JT Basque Bar & Dining Room
J.T. Basque’s mouth-watering beef shank is perfect for a filling and delicious meal.
Facebook/JT Basque Bar & Dining Room Patrons of J.T. Basque can rest easy knowing that meats are grass-fed and locally sourced as regional ranchers continue Basque farming traditions.
A place where history and traditions are valued.
Facebook/JT Basque Bar & Dining Room The initials J.T. were kept to pay respects to the previous families who owned and operated businesses out of the old Victorian building.
Come for the family-style American Basque meals and leave feeling satisfied. With loads of history, hospitality, and crazy good food and drinks to go around, J.T. Basque Bar and Dining Room is sure to be a timely treat for your taste buds.
Facebook/JT Basque Bar & Dining Room
In 1896, Gardnerville businessman Hans Nelson bought and moved the building more than thirty miles from Virginia City to Gardnerville - not a small feat in those days!
Flickr/Scott Schrantz
Today, the restaurant continues to serve up scrumptious meals in its often full dining room.
TripAdvisor/JT Bar & Dining Room
Hoping for some good luck? Try to stick a dollar bill to the ceiling, a tradition that was started by a regular patron long ago. All the money collected is donated to charity.
Patrons of J.T. Basque can rest easy knowing that meats are grass-fed and locally sourced as regional ranchers continue Basque farming traditions.
The initials J.T. were kept to pay respects to the previous families who owned and operated businesses out of the old Victorian building.
For more information, visit J.T. Basque’s Bar and Dining Room’s website here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 1426 US-395, Gardnerville, NV 89410, USA
