Guests in Boise interested in sampling comforting Basque cuisine can visit the Basque Block staple Bar Gernika Basque Pub and Eatery. On the Boise culinary scene for almost 20 years, this friendly dining establishment features authentic Basque fare plus some American stand-bys, tempting desserts, and a variety of beverages, including Basque wine. Notable choices include the chorizo sandwich — Basque pork sausage on a freshly baked roll — and the lamb stew with potatoes, carrots, and green peppers, plus they feature beef tongue on Saturdays only, which is a classic regional dish in a tomato, pepper, onion, and garlic sauce.

What is it: Central to the city’s lively downtown Basque Block is Bar Gernika, a narrow brick building serving classic Basque comfort food from the counter and to a handful of tables packed in near the open kitchen. Why go: It’s a surprising and little-known fact that Boise has the third-highest Basque population in the world, behind only northern Spain’s Basque Country and Argentina. It’s no surprise that Basque culture is central to the City of Trees—and that Basque food is not to be missed.

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It’s located on the Basque Block just down the road from Bardenay at the corner of Grove Street and Capitol Blvd and features authentic Basque pub fare (soups, salads, sandwiches) and wine. Their outdoor patio is always bustling in the evenings!. (Side note: Did you know that Boise’s Basque population is second to that of actual Basque Country?! Be sure to catch the Basque Festival if you visit in late July!) Bar Gernika is open for lunch Wednesday through Saturday and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

In the late 1980s, the Basque Cultural Center capitalized on an opportunity to buy the old Cub Tavern, a once landmark Boise bar that had fallen on hard times. The center then leased the bar, located in the Basque Block, to Dan Ansotegui, so that it could be renovated and repurposed as a gathering place for the Basque people of Boise. That back story paved the way for today’s Bar Gernika, a Basque pub and eatery serving up Basque favorites made from traditional recipes.

Restaurants like Bar Gernika serve Basque specialties including marinated pork solomo sandwiches, or head to the Basque Market for fresh-made paella. For more local fare Boise’s farm-to-table restaurant Juniper blends Northwest U.S. and global flavors in tempting shared small plates and innovative entrees. Menu standouts are the Idaho trout po’ boy sandwich, beef medallions atop farro risotto, spicy duck ramen and shrimp gnocchi.

So first swing into Bar Gernika, located on downtown’s Basque Block, for a lamb grinder and a side of croquetas. Next, fill up on gas and get ready for two hours of non-stop scenery as you drive up Highway 55. Here you’ll hug the Payette River which is home to some of the Idaho’s best whitewater. If you have time on the way back down to Boise, there are several companies that offer full and half-day rafting trips on the Payette.

Long before Chef Dan Ansotegui began his deep dive into hyper-regional varieties of chorizo at Ansots, he founded Bar Gernika, which has been a low-key Basque bar and eatery since 1991. Gernika has long since changed hands, but the tightly packed pub is operated by a long-time employee who has maintained the bar's reputation through service and quality. Order a Spanish kalimotxo and some croquettes or the lamb grinder sandwich.

Standing on the corner of the Basque Block of downtown Boise, Bar Gernika has served authentic Basque food, wine, and desserts for almost 20 years. In the tiny L-shaped space, folks gather in tiny groups or power up computers or, like us, hang out at the bar and chat with the bartender. You can even watch ’em cook those legendary fries — crisp, flavorful hand-cut Idaho spuds — that you don’t want to pass up.

The Flavortown map highlights crave-worthy restaurants like Bar Gernika, known for its Basque comfort food, and Chef Lou’s Westside Drive-In, a quirky classic serving up everything from finger steaks to ice cream potatoes. Saint Lawrence Gridiron smokes meats with serious swagger, while Tango’s Empanadas packs flavor into every golden pocket. Looking for something international?.

Bar Gernika is another popular spot in the Basque Block, known for its more casual atmosphere and delicious sandwiches. Try the famous lamb grinder, a hearty sandwich filled with seasoned ground lamb, peppers, and onions. The restaurant also offers a selection of Basque beers and cider, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a taste of Basque culture.

Cuisine Type: Gastropub, Spanish RestaurantLocation: 202 S Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702Website: Bar Gernika. Bar Gernika is a popular gastropub and Spanish restaurant. Known for its authentic Basque cuisine and cozy atmosphere, Bar Gernika offers a taste of Spain in the heart of Idaho.

They are famous for thier beef tongue, but only serve it on Saturdays and only until it runs out. If Beef tongue isn't your thing, don't worry, there are a lot of other amazing options. Or for a more upscale dining experience with Basque cuisine check out Leku Ona on 6th Street.

This restaurant located in Boise, Idaho is a friendly dining establishment that has highlighted the Boise culinary scene for almost two decades now. Notable choices offered here include the lamb stew with green peppers, carrots, and potatoes; and the delicious chorizo sandwich.

Bar Gernika is a cozy and welcoming spot known for its delicious Basque cuisine. Their dog-friendly patio offers a perfect setting to enjoy their famous lamb burgers or mouthwatering croquetas. Visit their website at www.bargernika.com to explore their menu and plan your visit.

Located in downtown, Boise has kept a small sub section of sub culture and buildings to help preserve the Basque people. The Basques were an indigenous group of people who spoke Basque. characterized by a culture and shared ancestry of the ancient Vascones and Aquitanians.

Lamb stew and croquetas from Bar Gernika in Boise's Basque Block – Photo courtesy of Brian Cicioni. Boise has the highest concentration of Basque people in North America. Downtown, there's even a Basque Block, with a museum, a small grocery store and a few dining options.

Bar Gernika is a traditional Basque tavern with counter service upfront and a casual dining room in the back. The kitchen cranks out miniature sandwiches, called solomo. These lean pork-loin sandwiches are topped with sweet pimentos, which make for an easy midday snack.

Bar Gernika is a cozy, vintage-style Basque pub-eatery located in downtown Boise. Their menu includes Basque dishes like kebabs, solomo, tortillas, and the usual pub fare. They also have a great selection of beer and wine that pair really well with their dishes.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (324 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Pub- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 202 South Capitol Boulevard, Boise, ID 83702-7219- Read more on Tripadvisor

And for a late-night beer and nosh, the no-frills Bar Gernika always delivers — try the croquetas, which are fried balls of béchamel and meat (from $6), and solomo sandwiches, made with marinated pork loin and pimentos ($9).

Bar Gernika’s menu includes lamb stew, chorizo and croquetas (perhaps the most delicious thing you’ll try), lamb grinders, tuna melts, pork tenderloin, plus a full bar with regional wines, beer on tap, and by the bottle.

And rounding out the strongest sandwich opinions, City Cast Boise’s Frankie likes Bar Gernika’s spicy lamb grinder, Emma likes MB’s (“the MB sandwich specifically”), and Cobby’s, which got several other endorsements.

Fieri and his famous goatee have shown up to talk food at Bar Gernika, Chef Lou’s Westside Drive-In, and several defunct restaurants including Donnie Mac’s Trailer Park Cuisine and Pizzalchik.

Thanks to places like Basque Market, Bar Gernika, Txikiteo and Epi’s there are plenty of delicious places to enjoy traditional Basque cuisine.

Bar Gernika has been a fixture on the Basque Block for almost 20 years and serves authentic Basque foods, wine and desserts.