Bakersfield’s long‐standing Basque community has turned the city into an unlikely culinary capital. Home to one of the largest Basque‐American populations in the country, the city’s “Basque Block” and surrounding neighborhoods teem with restaurants that serve hearty, family-style meals featuring garlic-rich fried chicken, rustic stews, and bottomless “set-ups” of pickled vegetables and soup. Whether you’re a local looking for a new weeknight favorite or a road-tripper ready to taste a living tradition, these five spots deliver a true taste of the Old Country right here in Kern County.
Wool Growers Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge
Opened in 1954, Wool Growers is the definition of a Bakersfield classic. Long trestle tables encourage strangers to dine like family, while bottomless bowls of its famed oxtail soup, red sauce beans, and French fries arrive before entrées such as fall-apart lamb chops or garlic fried chicken. The no-frills 1950s dining room still glows under the neon sheep sign on East 19th Street, and regulars swear by the affordable house red served in juice glasses. Make time for a nightcap in the adjacent cocktail lounge—locals say it’s half the experience.
Pyrenees Café
Just a few blocks away, Pyrenees Café combines a film-noir vibe—dark wood bar, vintage neon—with a menu that’s pure Basque comfort. Start with shareable garlic fries or shrimp, then move to hanger steak or pork chops served alongside the requisite “set-up” of soup, beans, salsa, and salad. Portions are enormous, prices are friendly, and the kitchen’s fried chicken once earned a shout-out from Guy Fieri on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Weekday lunch draws a lively mix of oil-field crews and downtown office workers; evenings are a little quieter but no less convivial.
Benji’s French Basque Restaurant
Benji’s pairs classic Basque hospitality with French technique. Expect white tablecloths, a robust wine list, and specials such as duck à l’orange alongside stalwarts like grilled lamb sirloin. The restaurant is also famous for its soufflés—chocolate, lemon, raspberry, or Grand Marnier—whipped to order and worth the extra wait. Lunch and dinner are served Tuesday through Sunday, and reservations are smart on weekend nights. For a relaxed splurge that still feels like Bakersfield, Benji’s hits the mark.
Chalet Basque Restaurant & Pub
Under new ownership but still steeped in tradition, Chalet Basque offers one of the most varied Basque menus in town. Diners rave about the perfectly charred lamb chops and robust beef bourguignon, while the “set-up” includes beans simmered with chorizo and a tangy house-made salad dressing. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights turns the cozy Oak Street dining room into a low-key party, and the adjoining bar pours strong cocktails alongside imported Rioja. It’s a welcoming spot for date night or for groups who want to linger over multiple courses.
Sandrini’s Public House
Part neighborhood pub, part homage to the owner’s Basque and Italian roots, Sandrini’s brings a contemporary twist to the tradition. The kitchen roasts its own meats, makes sauces from scratch, and plates creative takes on classics—think flat-iron steak with garlic butter fries or an herbed lamb burger topped with manchego. A serious whiskey library and barrel-aged cocktails make this downtown hangout as much about the drinks as the food, and a late-night menu keeps the Basque flavors flowing after most establishments have closed.
The Road Ahead—And a Quick Pit Stop
From hearty farmhouse fare to refined French-Basque plates, Bakersfield’s restaurants prove that you don’t need a passport—or even a trip to San Sebastián—to experience true Basque hospitality. Plan a progressive dinner, sample each house’s signature fried chicken, or simply pick one spot and settle in for a multi-course feast that’s equal parts history lesson and comfort food.
When you’re done exploring the city’s Basque bounty, swing by Jim Burke Ford on Oak Street to see how a hometown dealership serves up hospitality of its own. Whether you need a fuel-efficient commuter for your next lunch run or a spacious SUV for family-style takeout, our team is ready to help you find the perfect Ford. Visit us today and taste the difference—both on the road and at the table.
