The Basque people come from the Basque Country, a region that straddles the border between northeastern Spain and southwestern France along the Bay of Biscay. They are one of the oldest ethnic groups in Europe, with a unique language — Euskara — that is unrelated to any other known language.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many Basques immigrated to the American West, drawn by opportunities in sheepherding, ranching, and agriculture. California's Central Valley became home to a thriving Basque community, and Fresno was one of the key cities where Basque boarding houses and restaurants took root.

Basque-American dining is a tradition born from those boarding houses. Meals are served family-style at long communal tables, with multiple courses including soup, salad, bread, side dishes, a hearty entrée, and dessert. It's generous, communal, and meant to feel like eating at home. At Santa Fe Basque Restaurant and Bar, we carry on this tradition with pride, serving both classic Basque dishes and contemporary takes on the cuisine.

Traditions like our monthly Chicken Liver Dinner have been a staple of Basque restaurants for over 60 years, connecting diners to a culinary heritage that stretches back generations.