Out in Northern Nevada, a big night out often means a long drive into town and a table full of family. Ranch families have marked birthdays, anniversaries, and the end of branding season at the same old dining rooms for decades.
Many of these spots grew out of historic hotels and Basque boarding houses that once fed sheepherders and cowhands. Here are five places where hearty food and local history still share the same table.
1. The Star Hotel Basque Dining, Elko, NV
Elko has been a cattle town for a very long time, and The Star sits right in the middle of that story on Silver Street. The restaurant operates inside a historic hotel and serves traditional Basque food family style.
That means platters land in the center of the table and everyone passes them around. It is a natural fit for ranch families who show up in groups of eight or ten.
Steak is the big draw here. Menu favorites include the Petit Filet and Crab and a New York Steak Sandwich, and the bread pudding is a popular way to finish.
Plan ahead on weekends. Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest times, reservations are accepted, and a wait is common at dinner.
The Star is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and closed Sundays. Kids are welcome, with high chairs and a kids’ menu, and there is free parking in a lot and on the street.
2. The Martin Hotel, Winnemucca, NV
Back in 1898, this building on West Railroad Street opened as a rooming house. More than a century later, The Martin Hotel is still feeding Humboldt County, now with traditional Basque fare served in a family-style dining room.
Lamb is the star of the show. The Lamb Shank gets plenty of attention, and daily specials often feature lamb dishes in generous portions.
The menu also keeps old-school favorites around. Garlic soup, liver and onions, Chicken Marsala, and a soup and salad with beans all appear, and there is a full vegetarian menu too.
I like this one for a celebration with a mixed crowd. The setting is casual and friendly, and there is a private dining room for bigger family gatherings.
Hours are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and weekends from 4 to 9 p.m. Expect to spend roughly $20 to $60 per person, and parking is usually easy.
3. J T Basque Bar & Dining Room, Gardnerville, NV
Drive Highway 395 through the Carson Valley and the old Victorian building that holds J T Basque is hard to miss. Inside, an old-timey bar and historic Old West saloon setting give it plenty of character.
The full meal here is a family-style, multicourse spread with heaping portions and sides that keep coming. It is the kind of dinner that suits a hungry table after a long day of ranch work.
Not that hungry? The menu also offers platters and burgers, including a Chorizo Burger, plus a Lamb Shoulder Steak and a stew of the day.
Adventurous eaters can try pigs feet with tripe, a dish that shows how traditional this kitchen stays.
J T is open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed Sundays. Prices run about $20 to $50 per person, reservations are accepted, and outdoor seating is available.
4. Cellblock Steakhouse, Ely, NV
Few places let you celebrate a big occasion behind bars, and that is exactly the fun at Cellblock Steakhouse. Tables sit inside individual jail cell setups at the Jailhouse Casino in downtown Ely.
Ely is a small mountain town that serves as the commercial center for White Pine County cattle and sheep outfits. When families here want a steak dinner, this is a natural pick.
Prime rib and filet mignon headline the menu, and the ribeye is a favorite too. Dinners come with soup, salad, and a baked potato, and the cowboy beans have their own fan club.
It is dinner only, Monday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. Expect about $50 to $60 per person, and reservations are accepted.
The room tends to stay quiet, which makes conversation easy. There is also a kids’ menu and plenty of free parking.
5. CV Steak, Minden, NV
Old photographs line the walls of the Arts and Crafts-style dining room at CV Steak, giving guests a look back at the Carson Valley while they eat. The steakhouse sits inside the Carson Valley Inn in Minden.
Minden is surrounded by pastures and heritage cattle ranches, so it makes sense that a good steak is the main event. Filet mignon is cooked to order and served with a dinner salad and sides.
Surf and Turf and a bleu cheese encrusted option are also on the menu, along with classic baked potatoes. There is even a full vegetarian menu.
This is the dressed-up choice on the list. The setting is upscale and romantic, which makes it a favorite for anniversaries.
CV Steak is closed Tuesdays and opens at 4:30 p.m. the rest of the week. Dinner reservations are recommended, and prices average about $30 to $40 per person.
Whether you pick Basque platters or a filet under vintage photos, these five tables have been part of ranch family traditions for years, and they are still ready for the next celebration.
Enjoyed this story?
Add Fast Food Club as a preferred source to see more of our reporting on Google.