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Noriega Hotel
Categories: Restaurants Spanish Restaurants Basque Spanish, Basque [Edit]
525 Sumner StBakersfield, CA 93305
(661) 322-8419
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
52 reviews for Noriega Hotel
Review Highlights
"Also, they have family-style seating."
(in 17 reviews)
"And make sure you eat the pickled tongue."
(in 7 reviews)
"...Saturday night is oxtail stew and fried chicken covered in..."
(in 3 reviews)
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52 reviews in English
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Review from Abby S.
10/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Holy Smokes! This was one of the best lunches I've ever had, hands down. Who knew that Bakersfield had such good food?
Stopped in to the Noriega Hotel on a whim while making the trek from Las Vegas back to the Bay Area. Found this place on Yelp and was intrigued. We did not have a reservation, but, by some stroke of luck, managed to arrive about 10 minutes before they served lunch and they let us in without hesitation. Yesss!
While we waited to be seated, I eyed a delicious-looking Bloody Mary at the bar. So, of course, I had to try one. Very old school: rail vodka, mix, a lot of seasoning/hot sauce and garnished with a green oive. Just how I like it! That alone is worth 5-stars.
After a meal here, you're never going to want to dine family-style anywhere else. We started with a simple soup and salad combo, alongside bread and bleu cheese. That alone was more than I normally eat for a noontime meal, but I was hungry and ready to keep eating. Next course was fresh fried red snapper. Perfectly cooked. Not too greasy and definitely the right temperature. It came with some lemon wedges as well as tartar sauce, but really, you didn't need either since the fish was so tasty. Next? Tri-tip roast. It was good, but I couldn't stop eating the fish.
$14/person + tip included everything, including unmarked bottles of red and white wine at the table. It's really a deal! Granted, there's nothing fancy about this joint, but if that's what you're into, just keep driving 'cause Noriega's isn't your scene. BUT if you're after a good meal and meeting new people, then yes, come here. It's worth the trip! -
Review from Steve T.
Sparks, NV
This was pretty good Basque food. There's some Basque and Spanish influence in the cooking, but mostly it's a high-calorie meal for people who work in agriculture. What makes it different from other Basque Hotel-style meals is that it's all you can eat for the both the early portions, called the setup, and the entrees. So I could have had as many steaks as I wanted the Tuesday night I ate there.
People need to know this is not gourmet food. Don't confuse the Basque food here with the food of say Piperade in San Francisco. But that's not to say there is not great made in cooking the food or that they don't use quality ingredients. The steak with my meal was delicious. It was a great cut of meat and it was nicely cooked. The other entree was chicken cacciatore and it was also well done. There were also beans, soup, tongue, bleu cheese and a garden salad. The only disappointment for me was the spaghetti. The marinara was runny and flavorless and the pasta seemed like the cheapest they could find in the store.
Also, they have family-style seating. For dinner, it's at 7 p.m. You and your group will end up sitting next to strangers at a long table. I've done a dozen family-style Basque dinners this way and never had a problem.
The picon punch was disappointing. They use Christian Brothers brandy. -
Review from ImLookingAt You f.
Fresno, CA
9/24/2011
Not really too impressed with the food
Went on a Saturday (lunch) and I knew that the menu for that day "Varies".
Chicken (fried with garlic) and beef brisket were the 2 main dishes.
Cabbage soup was served which was only warm and not too flavorful.
Green Salad was served
Blue Cheese slices were served and was great
Beans (pinto perhaps) were sour
Chicken was moist and flavorful
Brisket had a bit too much tomato sauce for me on it
French Fries (really?)
Wine or Water
That's it.
I have been to better basque restaurants with more food for less money
Lunch $14
Dinner $20 -
Review from Lucas R.
Bakersfield, CA
1/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
I always seem to find a way to end up at Noriega's, probably because it is right in the same few blocks as a bunch of other great Basque Restaurants/Bars. Casual, great food, good drinks, family-style seating always makes the night fun
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Review from Christina N.
Huntington Beach, CA
9/4/2011
I LOVE NORIEGAS!
My boyfriend has newly moved to Bakersfield, and heard about Basque food through his colleagues. We chose Noriegas and when we got there were a little apprehensive - its in an odd place/ the surrounding neighborhood/area is not the nicest.
Came inside to a small bar where we waited to be let into the dining room. There were people of different ages, but majority of the people were of an older crowd.
Dinner starts and everyone sits at a long table, family style, which may be a little bit out of some peoples' comfort zones. But after less than a glass of the house wine (which is included in the buffet dinner) Rich and I started conversations and met so many different people from all over! It was a great way to feel connected and make friends.
The food was plentiful and delicious - feels like you are at grandma's house with good quality food made with love. The dishes come out one at a time and you take some and pass it on. We had pickled tongue (which was so delicious, i recommend everyone trying despite their reservations), beef stew, the best potato salad ever, salad, spaghetti, french fries, soup (clam chowder) bread, coleslaw and the main dish was the most tender lamb i ever had!
And the house made wine - absolutely divine!
It was a fun time, met people i never would have in any other circumstances and enjoyed quality home made food. I totally recommend. I cant wait to go back the next time i am up there! -
Review from Sid P.
Los Angeles, CA
6/13/2011
I loved my lunch here.
The farmers in the Bakersfield region are originally from the Basque region of Spain and the Noriega Hotel specializes in serving amazing Basque food.
After spending the morning picking 20 lbs. or so of cherries and blueberries (see review for Murray Farms) one works up an appetite and it's a good thing the Noriega Hotel is there serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
The hotel/restaurant is located on a seemingly abandoned street.
You will think you are lost - but keep going - their are actually people inside.
Upon entering you will see an old school bar (which for me said I was home - even if I was in the wrong place).
The dining room is located through the bar and is a big open hall with long communal tables and seating.
The food is simple. No frills. All fresh from the farms in the surrounding area and prepared in a way that let's each ingredient speak for itself.
If you have ever driven through the countryside of Italy and/or France (...or Spain) this is exactly the same type/level of experience when choosing to eat at one of the farms along with the workers.
We went for the 12PM lunch and had made a reservation the night before.
Meals are served family style (meaning they keep bringing out plates and bowls of food until you stop eating). It is all you can eat (no take home).
Wine is included - and they serve a house wine in unmarked bottles reminiscent of home made wine - which has more grape flavor with a bit of a kick.
To start - a simple green salad with and oil and vinegar dressing was placed on the table along with some crusty bread.
Next followed hunks of a type of Spanish blue cheese (which was amazing).
A simple cabbage and potato soup came out next. This was delicious. So basic yet perfect.
Bowls of Fresh Beans were brought out. These were not canned or dried. Nor were they laden with sauce or meat. Simple - straight forward beans in their own juices and absolutely divine.
Spanish Yellow Rice. Fluffy and flavorful with hints of peppers and tomatoes. Sincerely some of the best Spanish style rice I've ever eaten.
Large steaming plates of Oxtail stew were laid in front of me. This was not a gravy laden stew - this was more of a slow roast with onion, potatoes and carrots - served in the pan juices. Just wow. Meat melting off the bone and full of flavor.
As if I wasn't already full - plates of fried pork cutlets entered the fray. Crisp, light and so damn good covered in a not so light white pork gravy - drool...
The pace is slow (meaning no one is rushing you to finish and if a serving plate is emptied - don't worry - the waitress will be there to refill it).
This food experience is meant to be enjoyed over conversation, laughter and pauses between courses.
I loved everything about this meal. The location, the food, the people and the buzz (warning - the wine is strong and keeps flowing so be careful when consuming).
Lunch 12PM - $14 per person. All you can eat and drink (wine and water only).
Dinner 7PM - $20 per person. All you can eat and drink (wine and water only).
NOTE 1: They have three seatings a day (so be prompt as it tends to fill up and once all seats are taken - they shut the door).
NOTE 2: The menu is fixed and changes daily so check before you go.
NOTE 3: For Dessert we went to Dewar's.
NOTE 4: This is the equivalent of going to someone's home for a solid home-style meal and on that level it delivers 5 stars. -
Review from Jeremy G.
Humble, TX
8/5/2011
One of Bakersfield's greatest institutions!
This experience can be a bit weird and even unnerving the first time around. I've eaten at places where I've been seated with other parties, but to be seated en masse is something completely different.
It should come as no surprise that in a communal experience you get -well - communal food. This is mom's cooking - Basque style. It's comforting and enjoyable, but more suited to gourmands than to gourmets.
The extra star here is for character and authenticity. I've never encountered anything like it elsewhere. A must-do! -
Review from L. P. M.
Orange County, CA
7/26/2011
Went camping in the area with some friends and for some reason, no one thought about what Thursday dinner would be. A member of the group suggested this place as he has relatives that drive here from Pasadena once a month just for the food. We made quick reservations, although on Thursday they were not busy.
The bar area matches the feel of the surrounding area: Old, dusty, full of character. While waiting for the doors to open to the restaurant, we hung out in the bar as the bartender made some mean cocktails.
Once the doors were opened, we entered into an old dining hall with long tables. No intimate seating here. Sit down, meet your neighbor, and pass the wine jug filled with homemade wine.
Thursday night is beef night, and not being a member of the beef eating club, I missed out on the main dishes, but kept busy with the salad, beans and bread -- and wine. The entire table participated in the celebration of a birthday being held at one end of the table. We all celebrated with more wine.
Good enough to return? Would absolutely if ever back in the area in need of a hearty meal. Just need to pick a night when they serve chicken. -
Review from Julia I.
Los Angeles, CA
7/26/2011
Always great. Family style.
I"ve been coming here since I was about 6 years old. I don't' think anything has changed since then but the price.
It's always hearty food, and great conversations with those sitting near you. Don't go here if you're feeling like a loner and want to be alone! -
Review from Grant O.
Ventura, CA
8/13/2011
My family has been eating here since I can remember. This is the one place we can all go, no matter how few or how many of us want to get together.
Make sure you're hungry, very hungry when you sit down for one of their family style meals. Food was already on the table when we sat down. I like no waiting.
This is the food I remember eating at my grandparents home in my youth. Plates & platters piled high with simple but flavorful food. Casual no rush eating, with everyone's favorite on the table. And the food doesn't stop until the entire room says enough. Value, you can't eat food this good anywhere for the price. -
Review from Shaylan T.
Bakersfield, CA
8/18/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Best basque in Bakersfield... and that is saying something. I was first introduced to Noriega's just 6 months ago and I've been back several times since. I'm a big fan of Wednesday nights- prime rib and lamb stew. The tongue isn't sour like many basque places, it's just good. Try the Picon Punch from the bar- it's a traditional basque cocktail. Make a new friend and enjoy.
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Review from Justin H.
Bakersfield, CA
Updated - 7/23/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Noriega's (closed Mon.) has one dinner serving each night at 7:00 PM. Reservations are highly recommended and sometimes required.
The menu is set to the day of the week. Example: Saturday night is oxtail stew and fried chicken covered in garlic butter. Two entrees are served at dinner, along with the full Basque setup.
It's all you can eat for $20 including the entrees and wine. Price includes tax but not tip.
The seating is family style. For those unfamiliar with family style seating: you sit at a long table with everyone else, including strangers. Each item is served on large platters. Put a little from each platter on your plate and pass the platter to the person next to you.
Basque dinner setup at Noriega's: sourdough bread, butter, soup, beans, salsa, salad, cottage cheese, pickled tongue, cold vegetable, spaghetti, hot vegetable, french fries, blue cheese, two entrees, desert and house wine.
The soup, salad, cold and hot vegetable, entrees and desert varies depending on the night. Example: Saturday is everything mentioned above with cabbage soup, caesar salad, potato salad, peas, oxtail, fried chicken and ice cream... I think.
More info on the menu .pdf:
http://www.apejet.org/...
Tip for first timers:
Take a little of everything so you can try everything. If you want more of something you can always get more. If the platter of (anything) food is empty ask the server for more, or ask someone further down the table to pass their platter. Remember to save room for the 2 entrees and desert.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/16/2010
Tuesday night is my favorite: a rib eye steak as big as your plate covered in garlic butter... … Read more »
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Review from Ricky S.
Encinitas, CA
8/10/2010
I can't believe I haven't written a review of this place before- it's one of my all-time favorites. Don't chicken out like one reviewer did without even sitting down- yes, you'll be eating a meal with strangers, however, I promise that by the time you're on your second bottle of (included) wine, you'll be strangers no more! This is one of the best places to meet folks that you'll ever find. Especially if you're from out-of-town & need some local recommendations- this should be your first stop.
I would be remiss if I didn't put in a plug for the breakfast here. As one friend puts it, it's eggs and pork-fried-pork-products with pork! In other words, yummy! Plus, breakfast too comes with wine included, so you can get your morning off to a good start. Make sure you know what time your meal will be served (you need to be there on time- and better 15 minutes early!) and you should build in time for a nap afterwards, Good food, good prices, and a terrific experience is promised! -
Review from Lily L.
Updated - 9/21/2010 2 Check-ins Here
What I came for was Basque food. What I got was Basque food and a drinking lecture from one of the waitresses! Last time I came when my new stranger friends requested for more wine, she brought more to the table. I did it this time and what I got was a gruff: "that'll be $9". $9??? This is an all you can eat place including the wine! As I mentioned that, I also threw in a complement about how their home-made wine is very delicious. Instead, she throws another gruff "I hate it" back at me and then starts telling our party that we are driving and thus we shouldn't be drinking. Woman please this is my 2nd small glass. Maybe you should direct your mothering at the party of 20 next to us who are consuming all this beer on top of the free house wine.
2 stars less from my initial review (wow what a fallen star). Unfortunately this is still one of the best foods in this town so maybe next time I'll avoid that specific waitress.Listed in: My Bakersfield Days
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/30/2010
My first time ever having Basque food and it did not disappoint after hearing the raving of the… Read more »
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Review from Jenny O.
Bakersfield, CA
4/19/2010 2 Check-ins Here
The main reason to come here for the dining experience and ambiance; the second reason is the food. The setting can be a bit deceiving. I took bf here for his birthday.
When we walk in:
Him - "Uh honey, this is a bar. I thought we were having dinner?"
Me - "There's a dining area behind the bar."
Him - "Why aren't we in there?"
Me - "They haven't seated yet"
Him - "Why not?"
Me - "They seat everyone at once"
Him - "I don't get it"
Me - "Shut up, drink, and follow my lead"
Reservations are recommended as they only have one seating for dinner at 7 p.m. They are three large communal tables in the dining area so you're sharing dishes and a dining table with strangers. The regulars are familiar with the dining experience and they're friendly with the newbies or tourists. We dined with some Basque people - they were very friendly and we were impressed by how they've kept their culture intact for so long. I caught about half of their conversations since their dialect is somewhat similar to Spanish.
This was the Sunday night menu:
Appetizers:
Soup, beans, and salsa - mix them together!
Romaine lettuce salad and tomatoes - love the vinaigrette on the tomatoes
Cauliflower - the white stuff is ranch and not alfredo
Cottage cheese
Blue cheese - wash this down with the red wine
Entrees:
White pasta and red pasta
Beef stew - super tender beef and melt in your mouth potatoes...tastes like it's been sitting in the slow cooker all day
Fries - a little crispy...just the way I like them
Roast Chicken - loved the hint of veggies - I want to try some of that chicken stock!
Dessert was ice cream or flan. The wine is pretty much all you can drink. It's not the best red that I've ever had but it really goes with the beef stew or any other of their hearty entrees. Overall, it's good food with even better, homely, and family oriented service. -
Review from Cara W.
Bakersfield, CA
9/20/2010
I have to say this is the best basque food I have ever had. The service was excellent, the staff was very friendly, and the seating was interesting.
At Noriega hotel you sit at a long table, often next to strangers. It's a lot of fun talking to strangers while sharing a great meal. The menu is pre-set and consists of two entrees as well as the basque set up. You MUST try the pickled tongue. I have never like it before but this was a pleasant exception. The $20 is a great deal that includes endless red wine and mounds of delicious stick-to-your-ribs food. I recommend this place to anyone and everyone. -
Review from James S.
6/27/2010
No.
The owners were nice enough, the bar looked friendly enough, the menu promising... but when we went in the back where dinner was served, I knew we were in the wrong place.
$20 for a family dinner with lots of dishes sounded good over the phone, and indeed the Yelp reviews I spied before our trip to Bakersfield made Noriega Hotel seem like a find. However, we got a very unsettling vibe walking in the dining room.
Family style had two long tables with lots of people crammed next too each other. They looked too close to each other, and many had a look and smell about them that seemed out of Dorothy Lange photo. Really. I'll eat anywhere, with anyone, generally speaking. I had my two little ones and decided to let them make the call.One kid said 'OK,' while the other said 'Nay.'
We found something somewhere else and did alright.Listed in: Last Option
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Review from Lilani E.
3/3/2008
We went here by recommendation from fellow yelper Greg. We pulled up to the street and it was completely dead. We looked at each other and were like, "Alllrighty..." and continued on. As soon as we opened the door there were like 40 people waiting in the parlor with drinks at hand. We looked at each other and were like, "Score!"
The hostess took down our name, "Jacob for 2." (We don't bother with our real names because they are so often mispronounced or asked to be spelled, etc.)
We found a spot at the bar and had water and coffee to start us off. We were really confused in how things work and just went with what everyone else was doing... clearly waiting to be seated.
Noriega is a family run and owned restaurant that serves family style. So everyone is seated at the same time and served the same thing. It is a set menu for Breakfast, Lunch and dinner (all days except Monday they are closed) and Lunches of Saturday and Sunday are "Chef's choice".
We totally lucked out on 2 occasions here, 1) that we arrived before seating and 2) that we were able to get in, because they usually 'sell out' or people call ahead of time.
We sat down at one of 3 LONG tables and started our meal off with soup, bread, beans, salsa, and salad. Soooo good. Very simple, but very flavorful.
The main course was a deliciously made beef stew and the BEST fried chicken both of us has EVER had. This was served with amazingly delicious french fries as well.
Everyone around us was so nice and I got a good little buzz going from the wine that is also included in the meal.
We were so happy to be fed so well, to be welcomed by the Bakersfield locals, and to be educated on the Basque history in town.
We definitely hope that APA Regionals are here next year because there was so much on the menu we still wanted to try, more of the delicacies such as pickled tongue and pig feet.Listed in: .bako.
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Review from Erika E.
Pasadena, CA
11/2/2011
We must have gone on a bad day (on a weekend). The food was really mediocre, and the staff was downright hostile. We felt like we were interrupting a grouchy family's gathering, where we were not welcome.
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Review from Kristin R.
Palo Alto, CA
5/9/2011
I've been here for lunch and dinner and really enjoyed myself both times (but I prefer going for dinner!).
I came on a Saturday night when they were serving oxtail stew and fried chicken (I think). The oxtail stew was delicious! I didn't try the fried chicken, because it's not really my thing. In addition to the main entrees, we had: cabbage soup, beans, salsa, salad, cottage cheese, broccoli, bleu cheese, pickled tongue, pasta, and probably a few other things. With dinner, you also get unlimited house wine (red)!
Even if you don't like what they are serving for the main entree, it is definitely worth it to go. They serve so much food that you will not leave hungry! It's a great experience to share with a group of people! I suggest you get there early and get a drink at the bar while you wait to be seated. -
Review from Bryan T.
Santa Clara, CA
9/25/2007
This is where you come for Basque food when you're in Bakersfield. In a broader statement, this is where you come for Basque food if you aren't in the western Pyranees!
A few notables:
-You can drink drink drink while waiting to dine. It's a rustic bar in an older part of of town. The place oozes history.
-They'll lead you into a dining room with long tables and benches that extend the length of the room. Sit by someone you don't know. Last time we spent time chatting with a couple from NorCal who stop and eat here every single time they drive down to SoCal.
-The food is brilliantly delicious. Oxtail soup, salad, lengua, even spaghetti!
-It's simple because you don't have to order. They just bring you food. Eat it ALL, don't let it go to waste.
Sometimes I get a craving for this place. I'm going to try and make it a mission of mine to eat here whenever I'm in town. I stamp this into my top-20 favorite places to eat. -
Review from Don I.
Stockton, CA
1/14/2010 17 photos
The Noriega Hotel is one of the last of the old "Boarding House" style Basque restaurants. They still have a few boarders who reside in the building just to the left of the restaurant.
The Noriega Hotel was founded by Faustino Noriega in 1893. Taken over in 1931 by Juan and Gracianna Elizalde and has been operated by their family ever since. Rochelle Ladd nee Elizalde is the current working partner.
They only have one sitting for lunch and one sitting for dinner. Lunch is served at Noon and Dinner at 7:00 PM. Reservations are highly recommended, since they can be sold out any given night.
The price for meals includes the sales tax. All the wine you can drink is also included in the one set price. Soup, salads - lettuce, cottage cheese, pickled tongue and pickled carrots and Basque beans, spaghetti, the two main course items and French fries and a veggie. Then for dessert there is Bleu cheese and ice cream.
This is my second visit and the Menu says that the main course is lamb stew and prime rib. But the stew that night was OXTAIL stew, my favorite. Guess that oxtails were more available than lamb this week.
The food is tasty, fresh and served quickly. Again this is a "Boarding House" do not expect white table cloth waiter service. Just use your Boarding House reach.
Last year I had breakfast there which is the only meal with a window of time, served from 7:00 to 9:00 AM. It is served family style also. But much less harried. Only a relatively small number of patrons. But the dozen or so boarders who still live in the adjacent Hotel are provided Breakfast and Dinner, so Noriega's serves breakfast to the public. How cool is that.Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Deborah S.
San Francisco, CA
8/7/2007 1 Check-in Here
This is and has been my favorite restaurant in Bakersfield for the last 25 years. One day 25 years ago, a friend and I had finished playing golf on a Tuesday--yeah college was fun, and he took me to Noriega's for a scotch old fashion and lunch. I was hooked from the first step in the door. Strong drinks, good food, and great people
Since this time, my GF and I have become good friends with members if the Elizalde family who have owed and operated the restaurant for decades. I have celebrated every major birthday there since I turned 20--oh so many years ago, and we have Christmas Eve Lunch there with friends and family every year. Whenever I go back to visit family, they know I have to go to Noriega's. This place holds a special place in my heart and tummy.
Take your family there and have a good meal--Oh yeah tell Linda, Rochelle, and Bernadette hi for me and tip the servers well! -
Review from Cristofer P.
San Francisco, CA
9/1/2009
MAKE RESERVATIONS!
Ive been in the area on business and word on the street was that Bakersfield is known for its Basque cuisine. And more importantly, nobody does Basque cuisine better than Noriega's.
Ignore the "colorful" neighborhood and the unassuming exterior and you'll find one hell of a gem. Dinner: $20 for a home cooked, gazillion-course meal. With wine and tax included. That my friends, is an unbeatable deal.
They sit you at a communal table and start you off with a vegetable soup, a salad, beans, beets, thin slices of beef tounge bathed in some sort of olive-y oil (don't knock it until you've tried it - it's delicious), potato salad, cottage cheese, blue cheese, and bread that I heard they make on site. Then came the chicken cacciatore, the spaghetti with this delicious sauce, green beans with bacon, a giant platter of STEAK, french fries, and ice cream or flan to top it all off. Did I mention the dinner comes with wine?? Not only was the food absolutely delicious, the atmosphere wonderful, but it's a steal at $20.
Apparently they require/highly recommend reservations and they seat at 7pm (I dunno if they have multiple dinner seating times) but we just showed up at 6:50ish and got incredibly lucky. If you're in Bakersfield and you want to see what this Basque food is all about, make sure you stop here. -
Review from Amery W.
Martinez, CA
7/13/2008
This place is the ONLY reason to stop in Bakersfield. (I'm sorry if you live there and love this city...but I'll pass, really)
Lovely people, great food and fascinating conversation.
Sunday night -- Fried Chicken smothered with garlic (Drool) Not to mention the 5 other courses before we even get to the chicken.
Good, good, food.
I will be back every time I go through this town, you can count on it. -
Review from Hanh D.
Fullerton, CA
5/6/2011
Great food, value and ambiance. A find. Feels like you are at grandmas or your Spanish host mother's house. Potato salad and fries yum. Meat was tender and juicy. Not the best pasta but you won't miss it. Ole!
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Review from Brian C.
Pasadena, CA
4/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Noriega Hotel Basque friday lunch. Comfort food fried fish, steak, green salad, potato salad, beans, salsa... Wine bottles on the table for self serve. Very friendly people, simple homestyle food. Not gourmet or even high quality, but a great experience all the same. I say check it out and don't be afraid to hob-nob.
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Review from Seri L.
Oakland, CA
8/10/2009
Went here for lunch a few Fridays ago during a work visit of Bakersfield based on the reviews it got here. Pretty good food! You have to walk through a bar to get to the restaurant.
Once seated, the staff is really friendly and you get to make new friends with the people sitting near you.
For lunch that day was clam chowder, salad, potato salad, roast beef, fried fish, bleu cheese, and wine.
Aside from the cheese (I don't like bleu cheese), everything was delicious! I was surprised since I usually don't like this type of food at restaurants. It really tasted like you were over at your friend's place for dinner and their parents just cooked you a nice meal.
Clam chowder had huge chunks of clams, potato salad was flavored just right, roast beef was tender.
The wine was sweet and crisp, perfect for the 90+F weather outside.
Sign said lunch was $14 and dinner as $20.
They do accept credit cards, but remember to tip at the table or let them know how much to tip before they swipe the card (can't fill in later). -
Review from Margaret L.
Sunnyvale, CA
3/13/2011
first time having basque food. BLOWN AWAY. this place is soooo yummy! the cow tongue is a little weird. not really my style. but the fried chicken on saturday night is AMAZING :) and they have the best french fries. and ice cream. i love this place. will definitely be back.
very fun environment. we sat next to complete strangers. and one of them had never had the tongue before (neither had my boyfriend or I), so the three of us took the plunge together. it's definitely interesting because you meet new people!
plus endless red wine :) (i don't like red wine, but my bf and our friends got sloshed!) -
Review from Casey R.
Bakersfield, CA
4/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've been coming to Noriega's since before I could speak. I truly do love this place and I try to take any visitor I may have here to experience this one of a kind eatery.
I will admit though that the food is good but not as good as some people hype it up to be. I think after a few glasses of the free home made red wine at the table then people are going to be satisfied with just about anything they eat. The main reason I come back here time and time again is the wonderful waitresses that I have grown up with and the ambiance you can't get anywhere else. There's nothing like getting drunk and sharing food with a perfect stranger.
I did bring my girlfriends mom here who is from Hawaii and she was a little hesitant after I explained how the everything works at Noriega's. She is pretty shy. I forced her to come anyway and she had a great time. She agreed that the food wasn't the greatest but it definitely is an experience. You also can't beat that the table wine is free with your meal. I left here plowed on to many occasions. Good times.
I will continue to come here as long as their around which I hope is long enough for me to take everyone I know here.Listed in: Bakersfield
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Review from Troy S.
San Francisco, CA
3/26/2008
This place is a top spot for dinner in Bakersfield when I visit. The food is great and so is the service. It is always a good practice to call at least a day in advance, because it is sometimes hard to get in. It is important to note that the menu is set, and whatever is served on a particular night is what you get, just like dinner at Grandma's. Dinner is also serviced once each evening, usually around 7pm. But you always leave very full of food, tasty wine, and you usually meet some interesting people!
This restaurant has such a great atmosphere and good food you will always return for seconds. -
Review from Joe C.
Los Angeles, CA
10/24/2010 11 photos
I don't like people but I felt at home here
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Review from cooper m.
San Francisco, CA
12/3/2010
This place is absolutely top notch, its housed in what is left of the Noriega hotel from the late 1800's. Its family setting so get used to rubbin elbows with all kinds of folks. I won't go into the dinner here as that's what most people have, i am writing about the breakfast, for ten bucks you get your choice of eggs, fried, scrambled or omelet, the omelet is full of tasty peppers, also the pork chops are awesome as well as the sausage and bacon. Also served are the fried taters, bread, cheese and jam, lest we not forget, vino! By far one of the best basque breakfasts i've had in a long time. If you get the chance i highly recommend it.
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Review from Nikki C.
San Diego, CA
1/31/2011
Noriega Hotel is a diamond in downtown Bakersfield. My family and I have been eating here for years! The family dining atmosphere is wonderful. The food is delicious and fresh. The staff are amazing. This restaurant is special. It's best to make reservations, as they only have one seating time, making it all the more unique. Thank you Noriega's for all the wonderful memories.
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Review from mike M.
Bakersfield, CA
2/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a family style restaurant. Started eating here over 15 years ago with my grandpa Jack. They have a set menu that means they serve one specific thing for every meal
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Review from Angela D.
Bakersfield, CA
11/21/2010
Had dinner here with my girlfriends and it was my first Basque experience. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was fun! Visit their website and check their menu before you go!
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Review from Lily C.
Sherman Oaks, CA
5/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
I came here the other night and it was a great dining experience. When you first walk in, it's as if you walked into a bar. You order your drinks and a hostess comes by to take your name. A little after seven, they start seating the guests. Two doors open up and we're herded into the dining room containing two long dining tables. SInce it was just my boyfriend and I, they sat us across another couple and instantly, food was brought to the table.
Everything is family style and 4-6 people share the platters of food. We started off with a cabbage soup, beans, and salsa. We mixed those together and it was good. I could tell the soup was homemade. Then came Caesar salad, bleu cheese, pickled beef tongue, and steamed broccoli topped with Ranch sauce. Now, I've never had beef tongue so I was a little wary about trying it but wow, it was good! It's sliced very thin so it has the texture of deli meat almost. Since coming back to LA, I haven't seen it offered anywhere so I'm a little bummed. It's a must try if you're visiting Bakersfield. They also served spaghetti, which wasn't so good. I barely touched it. Since it was Saturday, the main entrees were oxtail stew and fried chicken. The oxtails were very good and the potatoes and carrots were soft and flavorful. The fried chicken came topped with minced garlic. By then, I was so stuffed I could only try a drumstick. It was good but my boyfriend thought it was fried a little too long and were a bit soggy. For dessert, we had some sort of tropical sherbet. All this came with all-you-can-drink house wine, which wasn't bad at all.
For twenty bucks, you really can't beat all the food, drink, and great people you meet. The food is not five star fine dining but it's good and you leave stuffed. I'm curious to venture here another night when they're serving something different. If I'm not mistaken, the food here is not traditional Basque food but American favorites with Basque twists. If someone can recommend a place with traditional Basque dishes, I'd love to try it.
If you're on the fence about Noriega's, I think everyone should try this place once for the experience alone! -
Review from Marissa R.
San Francisco, CA
8/4/2008
I'm half Basque and grew up in Bakersfield, so I have been lucky enough to get to eat here for most major occasions throughout my thirty years of life. A trip back to Bakersfield is not complete without a visit to Noriega's, one of the oldest Basque establishments in the country.
Arrive early before dinner so you can spend some time in the bar before your meal, which has pretty much remained unchanged for years. As a kid, we'd get bored while our parents and relatives hung out in the bar, so we'd sneak off to the attached handball court to entertain ourselves. Now we sneak out there for a smoke break--I don't even smoke anymore, but I like to keep up the tradition!
As others have mentioned, meals are served family-style at long tables where you're sitting next to strangers, which just adds to the fun of the meal. The cheap red wine is included, and we always drink copious amounts of it. My favorite menu includes a Basque vegetable soup--follow my family's lead and add a big spoonful each of the beans and salsa that are served with it--one of my favorite things to eat, ever. The pickled tongue is fantastic--non-Basques are usually afraid to try it, but after I force-feed it to them, they always thank me. There's also a really tasty oxtail stew, fried chicken absolutely smothered in garlic (the smell of which makes my sister nauseous, but I crave it), and greasy, yummy french fries. The food is simple and rustic, and is served by feisty waitresses like Bernadette, the family favorite.
If you ever find yourself randomly in Bakersfield, go out of your way to try this unique experience.
And make sure you eat the pickled tongue. -
Review from Joanne E.
Fontana, CA
3/13/2009 1 Check-in Here
I saw this place on Huell Howser. Since my husband is Basque he wanted to drive out here. We were just going to show up but I thought we better call.......Good thing we did because it was already booked. We decided to try this place the next Sat for lunch. Made the call early and arrived at 11:30 for the 12 o'clock sitting. They have a lovely bar. They served a nice beef stew that was great. The salad was simple but oh-so-good. Wine as much as you want. They encourage it. I was driving so no wine for me. Didn't mind since I like to keep my hubs happy. They served Green Chile for the main dish that was great. Bread and sides. The only thing that was a turn off for me is at the end of the meal they give you this really veiny bleu cheese. My hubs love bleu cheese and this is the Bleu Chessiest. He loved it. If you like that then you will be in heaven. Kids they give some ice cream. We've been back twice.
It's a nice drive and it's nice to do something a bit new.
FYI: Cash only. About 15 for lunch a person. -
Review from Kimi B.
Laguna Niguel, CA
8/9/2008
Thursday night dinners are way good. They have set menus so it's best to call ahead.
