Pyrenees Cafe - Bakersfield, California

Wendy S.

We recently held my mother‘s celebration of life at Pyrenees Café. Rod, Julie Chris and Jessy were absolutely fantastic. They went way above and beyond what was required of them to make my mom‘s celebration a success. They were hard-working and kind and we so appreciate what they did for us. The food was fantastic and the banquet facility was so nice! Thank you again to all for your hard work and your kindness and willingness to accommodate!

Elizabeth L.

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.

Harold G.

I really enjoyed the experience at Pyrenees Cafe. We went during the off time (about 2 pm), so service was not as fast as it would have been, but well within acceptability (and better than some places during normal time). The wait staff were friendly, attentive, and helpful, and our meals came within a reasonable time from ordering (especially considering I ordered the lamb shank).

My companions split an order of garlic fried chicken with fries that also came with soup, salad, or both for an extra charge- which they did and split the starters. Both were pleased with the quality of the food, and after sampling, my opinion is that it is one of the better fried chicken meals I've had.

As mentioned earlier, I had the lamb shank and fries, with full set-up. It was a lot of food. I enjoy lamb, but it is not everyone's cup of tea. For my part, it was very good, not the best I've had, but well worth it.

We did not have dessert, so I cannot offer opinions on such. Our visit satisfied the craving for Basque food, and we will be back, when it hits again.

Max

I had the lamb sandwich, it was delcious! I'll come back again when I'm in the area.

Cheryl M.

This little restaurant is what I call a hidden treasure seriously. When you start to go to this restaurant, it's going to be very misleading. Driving to go to a questionable area you may begin to question your choice. Keep going!!! Now you see what looks to be an old building or warehouse. Going to go through a creepy little door you may wonder if you're actually at a speak easy. The main door leads straight into a bar. Don't be discouraged to keep going. Now look right; you're going to see the most adorable little restaurant that looks like it came right out of the old west. Now go out the side door to the patio and whoa. The cutest patio ever. I seriously would have an event here. There's a stage and big fans to keep it cool and tons of lights and trees. The food was fabulous. The dessert was fabulous. And the service was outstanding. Don't overlook this hidden treasure. Just make sure you take a friend with you.

Ying L.

Never tried Basque food before so swung by for a break in the middle of my road trip. The entrance is easy to miss. Outside is a little dingy, but lots of street parking available. Seems like a popular local hangout with a restaurant and bar attached. I got dinner with the basque style setup and wound up with a Stella Artois box-full of takeout containers—definitely a first, lugging that giant box back to the car! It was pricey but more than enough food for two and averaged out well with large portions.

Everything was delicious (and strongly flavored). Personally loved the cabbage soup and penne pasta. Pickled tongue was different, but pretty good and something I’m glad I got to try. I don’t know what magic they used to make the salad—I literally kept poking at it between bites—but it was so good! Beans and banana peppers I guess? Who knew. Pyrenees has good food that packs a punch, stop by if you get the chance.

Frank R.

This was my first Basque restaurant experience and it was great. From the food to the service and the vibe, everything was amazing. We had the whole Basque set up with garlic shrimp. We also had the pickled tongue, which was surprisingly tasty.

Lawrence S.

Update 3/20/24: Prices on Google seem to be accurate now.

Disclaimer: The prices on Google currently are not accurate. Those make it seem like it's significantly cheaper. The price of the sauteed mushrooms on Google were like $7 and now they're about $12. Most entrees run upper $20 to mid $30s as well.

Despite all that, the food itself was amazing. My jaw almost dropped when I first tried those mushrooms. Service was kind and consistent. I do unfortunately feel that, for the price, the entree was a bit lackluster.

The atmosphere is nice if you're into a mix of rustic and modern. It's not for me, but maybe I should have utilized the outdoor patio area.

I'm not sure I'll return again at these prices but it might be nice for a special occasion.