Basque Norte /steakhouse - Chico

Many of the reviews refer to this traditional Basque style dining as a steak restaurant ! While they do have a great selection of steaks, this so much more than that. I 'll get to the food. What I want to talk about is the amazing service. The owner happily greeted us and despite wearing a Covid mask, you could see her eyes smiling. We had a reservation and were quickly seated in the main dining room. A Wednesday night, the place was bustling. Many families and larger groups we were just a twosome. Our server, Tracy, was quickly at the table. She was hustling as were all the other servers. All women! At least that night. They were carrying loaded plates of food and busing their own tables. They were all hustling! Tracy said she 'd be with us quickly she had hot food waiting to be delivered. We smiled and said we could wait. Our first time at Basque Norte. The prices are reasonable considering the volume of food. Like everyone else, we left with more than one container of leftovers two be to be exact. Many tables had three or four. Yes, your eyes are bigger.... Our leftovers lasted for two more dinners. In the future, we 'd likely share an entree. But we also want to try the tapas menu in the bar. The extensive menu of steaks, seafood, lamb, pork, and pasta. You couldn 't possibly leave hungry. Back to our server Tracy who has worked at Basque Norte for more than 15 years. In between her sprints to get to tables and food, she shared some of the history of the restaurant and other places to dine in Chico. We also shared some of our other local and regional favorites. Her service was definitely 5 star plus! My husband ordered a 1/2 rack of ribs. The meat was moist just falling off the bone. I had the marinated, grilled chicken breast. Enormous. It was a little dry, but the flavor was great! We really loved the Basque style red beans a little spice was just perfect. And the side order of spaghettini was DELISH just the right amount of garlic. Really had to resist eating too many of the side dishes that are included with the family dinners. This locally owned and locally loved restaurant is worth a visit. We will definitely be back. Great food. Incredible service. Thank you Tracy!

Love this old school steak house. Its my favorite steak house that I have been too. The steaks are out of this world good. My son can eat a bowl of the pasta by himself. This is truly a old school spot, there is next to no advertising, its old school inside and the parking lot is still full all week long. Great job!

Basque Notre 's marinade (which can be found in basically any grocery store) is decent and is what they are known for. I discovered they were a local chico restaurant and have wanted to try them for many years. Finally got around to doing so.I like the concept of service style and the service staff was friendly and helpful. Each person orders their own entree. Steaks are decent and were cooked fine. All sides are served family style, which is great. I enjoy a good family style service.The sides however, were very disappointing. You start with the most acidic tomato soup , which has no other flavor than tomato puree. As well as a very basic romain lettuce salad with house dressing. You can have it refilled as much as you want from what I recall. But the initial bowl is basically a 1 or 2 person side salad size. The beans they make are extremely bland and the potatoes are also devoid of flavor and if I remember correctly, they are steamed. The green beans they serve are classic cut frozen green beans.Nothing wrong with frozen green beans and steamed potatoes. I just don 't expect them on a $40-50 plate. How about some hericot verts green beans at least.The one positive I can say, was the bartender did make great drinks. So keep that guy going.Over all this place was disappointing. Food is very overpriced for what you are getting. Very under seasoned. I expected much higher quality ingredients for the plate cost charged.Go to 5th Street if you want a good steak. Much better quality with a similar price point.

Wonderful restaurant! Phenomenal food, great atmosphere, and wonderful staff.

Eating and eating in total was amazing. the only part is that their menu has been reduced in size so that they no longer offer fish or quail. very friendly service. I would still recommend going there.