Basque in Boise
Ever heard of the Basque Country? It’s a community in Northern Spain (bordering France) that has its own language, food and cultural traditions. And, somewhat curiously, Boise, Idaho has a thriving local Basque community that is one of the largest and most concentrated outside of Spain.
So how did that happen?
Many Basques immigrated to the area during the late 1800s to work as sheepherders and then told their relatives and friends to come join them. Now, generations later, the Basque community is still growing and thriving, including touchstones such as Boise’s Basque Block, unique Basque festivals and several Basque restaurants. Here’s how you can experience Boise’s Basque culture for yourself.
Festivals
2025 marks the return of a huge Basque cultural festival — with tens of thousands coming from all over the world to Boise to celebrate Jaialdi. It’s held in Boise the last week in July and typically occurs every five years.
Each summer that isn’t Jaialdi, Boise’s smaller San Inazio Festival takes place on Boise's Basque Block in late July. Don’t miss the street dance for a chance to learn a few Basque dance moves.
Food + Drink
Ansots opened in 2020 and recently earned a James Beard Foundation nomination. Serving small plates, Basque and Spanish wines, Basque natural cider and espresso "like you remember from your trips, either real or imagined, to the Basque Country," the real star is their own Basque chorizos and sausages. The family has a 100+ year history in Idaho, and they use their grandmother's recipes (some with tweaks) for the sausage and Basque bacon.
Bar Gernika is a Basque pub with an extensive and hearty menu (each menu item comes with a choice of fries, croquettas, side salad or soup – get the croquettas and thank us later).
Leku Ona has a mix of casual and slightly more formal dining options (as well as a big patio). We especially enjoy their seafood-centric dishes, like codfish stuffed peppers.
The Basque Market is the place to go if you have time for just one Basque stop in town. Check out the daily pintxos (small bites) or consider booking a cooking class.
Epi’s is located in the suburb of Meridian but is worth the drive for this family restaurant’s incredible hospitality and a taste of the traditional, time-honored recipes from Grandma Epi. You’ll probably end up hugging your server and will leave very full.
The Basque Center from the outside may look like it’s only for members of the Basque community. Local tip: It’s not. When not closed for a special event, the center has a public bar with cheap drinks and some of the most interesting bartenders in town. Order the Kalimotxo (a mixture of red wine and Coke), which is said to have originated in Basque country.
History
The Basque Museum and Cultural Center is an excellent resource to learn more about the Basques in Idaho, and is open Tuesday-Saturday. If you happen to go on Saturdays, admission to the museum also grants you access to the Cyrus Jacobs-Uberuaga Boarding House next door – one of the oldest residential dwellings in Boise. The Museum’s website also offers a helpful (and free!) self-guided walking tour of the Basque Block.
Looking for even more Basque in Boise? Consider booking our Basque themed room at the Inn at 500!