Noriega's

I can't rate the new Noriega's on food quality as I just stopped in for a Picon Punch. To be sure, the location doesn't have the feel of the original, but the drink was good. They were able to secure the same cook to provide consistency.

The new Noriega's meets expectations. A different and newer vibe from the classic original in Old Town Kern, but the family style Basque cuisine is as good as the original We had our typical large party on a Saturday for our favorite entrees, oxtail stew and garlic fried chicken.

I have been in Bakersfield since 1984 and made it to all the Basque places many times except Noriega's. Felt sad to hear they closed on Sumner only to see them pop up in the SW! What you need to know is unlike regular restaurants is that they have a group feed only once or twice an evening at 6:00 PM and some days 8:00 PM as well. Put on quite a spread, bread, soup, salad, beans, salsa, pickled tongue, fried chicken, ribs and the works, all served family style, better be hungry!

Food has not lost a step. The most delicious lamb I have ever tasted. Noriega's has been a first choice to take out of town guests to for years.
This dinner was equal to any in the past. Tad noisy.

I stopped off for lunch last week. Bartender Michelle greeted us and sat us at the bar until lunch was ready, ( we were early). She made us some wonderful drinks while we waited.
For lunch they brought out Basque soup, bread and butter with salsa, true Basque style. Salad was served next, oil and vinegar dressing.
Main entree was mashed potatoes and pork chops. The food was all pretty good.