Janesse Bojorquez
We recently hosted my husband David’s birthday celebration here, and I cannot say enough wonderful things about this place or its owner, Julie. From start to finish, the experience was exceptional. Julie and her team went above and beyond to make the evening seamless, stress-free, and truly special.
The staff was incredibly kind, attentive, and professional all night long. Every guest felt welcomed and cared for, and so many of our friends and family commented on how great the service and atmosphere were. The venue was perfect for our celebration, and everything flowed beautifully.
Thanks to Julie and her amazing team, the night was unforgettable. We had the best time, and our guests did too. If you’re looking for a place to host a special event or simply want outstanding hospitality this is it. Thank you, Julie, for helping make such an important milestone so memorable!
… moreJoe Gomez
Came to try the French dip sandwich. Sandwich was so tasty and the broth was tasty as well. Fries were good although they were a bit soggy by the time I got home but that was on me not the place as I live a distance away. Was also pleased to find out they served Mr. Pibb one of my favorite sodas and getting harder and harder to find. Services was great with friendly and helpful staff and place had a nice chill vibes.
… moresteve zavala
Went in on sun Jan 25th 2026 and had a great experience. Chris was awesome and very knowledgeable of the menu. Chris helped us navigate through some dietary restrictions and the Meal was amazing. First time eating here for me but definitely wont be the last .Thanx for the great food and Service
… moreLm R
Tried the garlic friend chicken. Came with beans with had too much black pepper added. Cottage cheese had a nice flair to it. I love it! Garlic fried chicken was fresh, garlicky, and juicy! Great atmosphere to hang, eat ,and drink. Staff was energetic and gave amazing service. It’s worth the try!
… moreFranchesca Alvarado
Just about the only place in town you can get a well made cocktail at 8am and order everything on the menu except fried chicken
… moreSandra Hughan
My mom has talked about a Basque restaurant that she and my dad went to when they moved to Tulare in 1961. They liked it so much they would drive to Bakersfield many times to eat there. Well, she had not been there for decades, so I did my research and figured this had to be the one. Went today. And it was , indeed the same one. Read many of the reviews…calling it a sketchy area….I guess because I am a farmer and used to going to such ” sketchy” areas, that did not throw me a bit. When I pulled up and saw the old sign, a smile planted on my face, and only got bigger when we went inside. Oh my. The history here, the food could have been marginal and I still would not have regretted driving so far. But the food was NOT marginal at all. I even lapped up the cabbage soup. I hate cabbage. So much flavor in everything. I do not like fries much either, but ate every single one. There is SUCH a difference between frozen and fresh cut. Yum yum yum. Wish I could remember the waitresses name, wow was she great. Me and my mom split a fried garlic chicken lunch and got the ” set up”. Flavor town in everything. It was wonderful. Thank you! I will return!
… moreMark Blom
Great food. Not the best area of town but cool place .
Slow service when we were there for lunch with only a few other people there.
Food is very pricey for the place but also very good.
… moreClinton Leiva
Great place for a meal with family and friends. Happen to be there for a reception following funeral services for my cousin’s father. Stayed all afternoon and got tickets to see Jakob Nowell and his band play. Food is always good if you like banquet style service or Bakersfield style basque food. Not to be confused with basque food from other parts where boscos settle, such as Gardnerville/Minden area. Our basque food historically is way better. Depending on the establishment. But Pyrenees is definitely one of a couple restaurants serving good basque food still. Prices are reasonable, bar is usually hopping and the service and people are great. It’s part of east Bakersfield history.
… moreElizabeth Lascheid
Bakersfield has the largest collection of Basque restaurants in the United States, with the Pyrenees Cafe being a super old one. I think it was first opened around 1901 as a boarding house, mostly for men, and brothel house on the side that served people coming in from Spain and other areas–the food and the women. It was also quite busy during prohibition making their own booze. Whether it was good, who knows, this was years and years ago. There are not as many Basque places in Bakersfield as their once was and I wish they would all come back. They are just great. The food is wonderful. It is often served family style and you just feel welcome. The ladies of the night are long gone and it is kid friendly.
These establishments like Pyrenees carry the traditions of their ancestors, offering a Basque food experience to everyone. It is on a long street and there are several Basque places to eat and we love them all. This one is a favorite.
Customarily, meals at the Pyrenees Café are multicourse, served family style at long tables, but they also have smaller tables and a bar counter. We always get started with the ‘set-up,’ a generous spread of bread, soup, beans, salsa, pickled tongue, vegetables, French fries, and spaghetti. Now you don’t have to do this and you can have just bread or whatever to start, but we love the ‘set up.” I don’t like tongue, but I drive it back to my dog who loves me for it. I am sure it is great, just not for me.
The entrees include lamb, chicken, pasta, ox tail and seafood, or the special entrée of the night, which is always great.
So, go. It may be a new experience for you and the entire Downtown (near the tracks) Bakersfield area can really use the business. It is super safe and it is fun.
Oh, and now they have Breakfast. Yummy.
… moreNicole Morales
Random find while driving through Bakersfield on a road trip. At first we were super confused on where it was as the sign outside indicates it is a bar and as you walk in that’s all you see. But go in a bit deeper and there is indeed the cafe off to the side. It surprisingly leads to a big patio, where we sat. We were able to stay cool with their huge fans thankfully, as it was 105* when we got there.
Service was super friendly albeit very slow. It took about 20 minutes to get our order placed and about another 25-30 to get the food. Being we were trying to make it to our hotel in a decent time, this actually ended up affecting our travel. But, it was an adventure!
My husband had the Basque Burger and I had the Turkey Dip sandwich. His burger was “okay, but nothing to write home about” in his words. I was looking forward to the turkey dip as I never get to eat a French Dip (as I don’t eat red meat). Unfortunately it did little to keep my interest.
Overall, slow and “just okay” food, but very friendly service. It seems like a great place for locals.
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