Basque Norte

Do you want to have a delicious steak dinner Basque style? This is the place, yet they are trapped in the 70’s not only in décor but by using canned green beans, iceberg lettuce for salad and no doubt canned minestrone soup, egg noodles drenched in butter… and the classic small metal dish of rainbow sherbet…
It’s pretty pricey for the quality of food offered, I give it three stars for that reason.
Service was friendly and quick, it should be because the place was empty.

Awesome set up. All inclusive, red potatoes, beans, salad, soup, ice cream…
Great grill flavor on steaks.
Be careful about how you usually like a steak cooked. «Medium» is actually raw through 80% of the piece… for all of us.

We had a wonderful valentine’s day dinner here! Even though it was slammed, the staff was accommodating while still not bugging us the whole meal (hard to find at any restaurant). It wasn’t ridiculously expensive and it was a feast! Thanks guys!

My boyfriend and I went here a few days ago for Valentines Day. First off let me say that the décor is so dark and gloomy, serious update is needed.
First we sat at the bar and had a couple drinks, our bartender was a younger guy with tattoos. He was really nice and the drinks were great.
Our waitress did a good job, it was really packed. Sangria was great too.
My issue is with my food. First off the soup was tomato garlic, with TONS of garlic! It is Valentines Day and no one wants to reek even if the other person ate the same. Was so strong I couldn’t hardly eat it. My boyfriend had the lamb and it was delicious! I had the halibut.
It was the worst fish I have ever eaten. It came with tarter sauce? So weird because it should be a delicious piece of fish, it’s not a damn fish stick! So dry, I struggled to eat it. Apparently that is why it comes with tarter sauce lol
That and canned green beans? For over $ 100 dollars for two I’d expect actual veggies.
The last thing is the bathroom. It is a one person stall and no lock on the outer door, so when you’re going to the bathroom people just stand in line right outside of your door because it’s the only one. Put a lock on the main door, super awkward.
Service was great though.

My first visit to Basque Norte was back in the early 90s and I would guess I have dined here around 40 – 50 times over the years. The thing I absolutely LOVE about this place? It doesn’t change! Well, the prices have changed, but the food, décor (to some folks’ dismay!) and even many of the staff are the same now as they were 25 years ago. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
The family-​style meal offers quite a variety, and you can be easily filled up by skipping a main entrée and ordering the sides (called the «set-​up» on the menu.) In fact, I have done that when I wasn’t feeling like ordering a huge meal.
I don’t recall ever having a bad meal here – the quail, chicken, and steaks have all been terrific. I have never tried the lamb, but that’s just because I’m not a huge lamb fan.
If you have never tried this place, go in with an open mind (décor isn’t everything!) and know that you will not leave hungry (don’t forget you get ice cream too!)

Tonight was my first experience at Basque. I had driven by a few times, and the tapas concept was enticing. Tonight I dined with two friends, for dinner.
Décor: Depressing. Dark panelling halfway up, with white walls. Scattered uninteresting prints with no decorative flair. Carpet was dark and seemed dirty. Tables were clean but no tablecloths or even placemats.
Menu: We were not given a tapas menu, because «that is only at the bar». When I indicated we wanted an appetizer, none of which were on the menu, we were told we could order off the tapas menu as long as we ordered a full dinner. Only three choices were appropriate for an appetizer, and we ordered the fried mushrooms. They tasted frozen.
The waiter failed to explain the concept of the restaurant, which is to order an entrée, and then be served soup and sides family style prior to receiving it. We placed an order for two steaks and chicken piccata. I was going to order the ravioli until our waiter admitted it was frozen.
First we were brought tomato garlic soup. It was tomato, and it was garlic, but it was also underseasoned, and not an exciting intro to the meal. Next, sides of spaghettini, baked beans, and salad with house dressing were served. The angel hair was properly cooked, but the garlic broth lacked seasoning, as did the salad. I did not try the beans.
With the entrees were served green beans and potatoes-​more starch. The steaks were cooked properly and my friends enjoyed them. The chicken was, again, well cooked, but with little flavor.
Service: Lackluster
Overall impression: Plenty of food, but underseasoned and lacking impact. With a bottle of wine, 150.00 for three, which I felt to be a bit high for the product, despite the steaks being well cooked. Nothing entices me to go back.

I’ve always loved going to Basque Norte (originally a huge fan of the marinade). The atmosphere and ambience are great in my opinion… as well as the hospitality and service. As far as the food goes, I always get the porterhouse and it’s perfect everytime… love the sides though I wish they would put bacon back in the green beans. Make sure you try the SANGRIA!

We love the food it’s always good, the service is always good. I was SHOCKED to see that They DO NOT have toilet seat covers ??? GROSS I mean really even Taco Bell has seat covers. I just think that for what you pay for a meal there they should have SEAT COVERS!!! Other then that we always enjoy our experience. I just use tons for their toilet paper and make my own seat cover because their so damn CHEAP to provide them !!!

Excellent service and great food. We have not tried the restaurant section of this establishment yet but we loved the tapas bar! Great prices also!

This is truly one of my favorite restaurants in town. The service is always great, the food is to die for. Huge portions, amazing melt in your mouth steak, love love love the sangria and the green beans with dill. Everything on the menu is good. I’ve never had a bad experience. Worth every penny, and I always leave with plenty of leftovers.

Re-​reviewing for fairness. This visit was much better. It occurs to me that any disliking I have for the restaurant is likely the food not being my thing. This surprises me, as all food is kinda my thing, but I’m willing to put it out there that the food is done traditionally and I just don’t like it vs. it all being bad.
The service (same waitress as last time) was fantastic. Quick water refills, very professional and respectful («sir», «ma’am», etc.) and intuitive of our needs: to-​go boxes, next course, the works.
The food was completely covered in oil, again, but — as mentioned above — I could just not be into basque-​style food. The bread was bland and I want for more sourdough, and I still do not, for the life of me, understand the random olive and carrot pieces to start the meal. However, the rest of the food was fair to okay. The pasta was better than last time — right texture and taste, just wished for less oil. The beans aren’t my thing, but they’re cooked from scratch, which is admirable. The salad is simple, but light and refreshing oil and vinegar. Chicken picatta was tasty. Not a fan of the rice (that oil is killer) but, again, maybe it’s just not my thing. The pralines and cream ice cream is yummy, a little melty, but still tasty.
The venue is beautiful, dim, kind of gothic/​old hidden tavern feeling to me. I imagine they accommodate large groups well, and many customers left thanking the staff for their excellent care of their large group, so that’s gotta say something.
I’m a sucker for the über professional look to the bartenders and waiters, and I love a venue for big parties, so giving this place a second chance was a good thing. Ideally I’d return to feed lots of people LOTS of mediocre food (which is maybe just not my taste?) and know that my picky palate is better left at home.
Excellent service, pretty venue, blah food. I’m glad we tried again. It could definitely be worse!

We really adore this place.
Grandma meets you at the door and says welcome, mom escorts you to a table or the bar! Father and son attend the bar, family friends play waiter and I think daughter is around somewhere!
The place oozes ambiance and the food is amazing and there is a lot of it. This family are also not just playing at basque they came from there, they know what they are doing and they even choose their own beef and prepare and marinate it them selves! Every Time we go there everyone is relaxed and happy and the old gent (owner) is always happy to see us and always remembers our names. How is that for A+ service !! I hope they never close. This is the last great Chico Dining institution!!!

Soooooo delicious. I love eating here. We had a Christmas party here and it was so classy. The meat was soooo tender and mash patatoes were life changing
.

Starting with the Sangria, it was super delicious! We ordered a full pitcher and when joking with one of the waiters about how much it was and how we wouldn’t be able to finish it, he said, «I’ll bottle it for you.» What?
The Tapas were amazing. Gambas A La Plancha, Pincho de Carne, Codillos De Cerdo. Spanish Potato Salad. Campions Llenos, Tortilla De Patatas, and Sopa De Ajo. Spectacular food!
And yes, they bottled it!

Happy hour, with friends and good food… what could be better. Great place to meet some friends after work. Tapas in the bar with sangria was really good. It was comfortable with lots of seating room. The Steak kabobs are soooo good! As where the sampler kabobs. Everything was very fresh and extremely flavorful. I’m ready to go back for more. Priced affordable and service was great.

Get the rib eye. The whole family style is pretty neat but the a la carte steak is more than enough food by itself. The drinks are solid but a little pricey for what you get. This place gets packed all the time though so if you have a group make a reservation.

If you’re hungry I highly recommend trying this place — I love the soup & salad, my husband likes the green beans & potatoes, we pretty much have to fight over the spaghetti and that’s BEFORE a our main dish arrives. Great for a group, sooo much food!

Had dinner on Saturday December 27^th.
Arrived about 7:30 PM just a short wait to be seated in the dinning room so had a drink at the bar.
This is the FIRST time having dinner here, last time (last review) was just experiencing the drinks and Tapas.
By far this has probably been the BEST steaks we have ever had out and «hands down» the BEST steak meal in Chico! Cooked to perfection!
Had the 14 oz ribeye and the meals come with a garlic soup/​fresh salad/​warm bread and a few other sides: like garlic pasta, sliced new potatoes, green beans and baked beans. Yes, all this is included in the cost and the soup, it’s homemade!
Finish with a Creamy Praline Ice Cream for dessert!
Price was affordable, food was fabulous, service and atmosphere was wonderful.
It’s again family owned and operated-​just a great place to enjoy.

Legen…
Wait for it…
…dary!
Biggest prawns I’ve ever eaten. Food was fantastic and the staff were quite accommodating. Pouring wine down your friends throats made this experience all-​the-​better. Can’t wait to go back.

Although I’ve heard this place isn’t authentic ‚(I have no idea what authentic basque should be) I still really love this restaurant!
This place is a little pricey when looking at the menu, but when you see how much food comes with it you will know you got what you paid for!
I really really really love the chicken breast and sangria!
YOU NEED TO TRY THE SANGRIA. Spend the money, buy the pitcher… whatever you don’t finish, they will bottle it up for you to go!