Strategically located on the corner of Capitol Boulevard and Grove Street, Bar Gernika is celebrating its 30th year as one of the anchors for what has developed into a unique historic and cultural area in Boise – the Basque Block. Bar Gernika remains as a remarkable tenant for the Basque Museum & Cultural Center…providing Basque cuisine to the many visitors who make their way to this central, downtown location.
Originally built after 1912 as the Quong Chong Laundry, the Bar Gernika building has a long, unpretentious history. Here are the records from the Idaho Historical Society that appeared in a February 13, 1990 Idaho Statesman article:
Cub Bar gutted interior. Photo courtesy of Bob Abraham
In January of 1990 the property was sold to the Oppenheimer Development Corp. The previously-mentioned Idaho Statesman Article was titled, “Boise’s Cub Tavern ducks the wrecking ball.” “Jack Coonce, of Oppenheimer Development Corp. (owner of the property) was asked by the Historic Preservation Commission to craft a proposal that will meet his needs and preserve the Cub Tavern. Oppenheimer seeks to level the tiny 80-year-old building to build a paved, 16-space parking lot- two to four spaces of which would go where the small building now stands.” The building is located in the Old Boise Historic District.
Bar Gernika menu, summer 1991
In 1990, Adelia Garro Simplot and other Basque Museum & Cultural Center board members made a plea to the new owners of the Cub Bar property not to raise the building for 2-4 parking places. The Basque Museum worked with the property owners to lease the building in exchange for parking the Basque Museum owned behind its building. Dan Ansotegui then approached the Basque Museum’s board to see about leasing the building for a pub and eatery he thought he’d call, “The Shepherd’s Son.” The idea was to feature pintxos, cuisine, wine, beer, and espresso coffees…reminiscent of the pubs Dan had experienced while studying and living in the Basque Country.
Dan and Dorothy Ansotegui, proprietors in 1995. Photo courtesy of Bob Abraham.
After a major interior renovation and some exterior work, Bar Gernika was ready to open its doors. On June 16, 1991, Dan’s friend, Father Pat Russell, blessed the building and it opened officially to the public on June 19. Attendees of the Boise River Festival, staged the following week, swarmed the new eatery. Dan’s mother, Dorothy Inchausti Ansotegui, was his business partner and was chief “tongue” preparer for the business for many years of the Saturday special. Dan’s sister, Chris, purchased the costly, but necessary, espresso machine. A tally sheet was kept next to the machine and 25 cents paid to a “kitty” to reimburse Chris for the loan to purchase the machine. Interest on the loan was most-likely paid in coffee or an occasional lunch or dinner.
Addition of L Bar Gernika. Photo courtesy of Bob Abraham.
Completed expansion of Bar Gernika.
In March, 1998, the Basque Museum was able to sign a property exchange agreement with then property owner, Bank of America, to assume ownership of the building and acquire the property adjacent to Gernika to allow Dan Ansotegui, the business owner, to add additional seating, prep space and a larger walk-in cooler, leaving the building in the “L” shape that we know today. The Museum exchanged the property behind its building to acquire the Gernika property, but 16 years later was able to buy it back.
Jeff and Stephanie May.
Dan Ansotegui sold the business to long-time employee and his wife, Jeff and Stephanie May, in January, 2008 and they have held onto some of the original Bar Gernika recipes and practices, while also adding their own touch and expertise in other areas. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, and with host Guy Fieri raving about the marinated pork and peppers in the Solomo Sandwich and the lamb grinder. His film crew had to stay another day to highlight their Basque tongue. Bar Gernika still gets customers who are intrigued with going there after viewing that episode.
Bar Gernika today.
The patio is open and indoor dining is also available. You’ll be greeted by a friendly staff member and can choose either a Basque treat or an awesome burger or tuna melt.
The Basque Museum & Cultural wishes to extend our congratulations to Jeff and Stephanie May for this milestone in the history of the Bar Gernika business. Thirty years…. three decades in the restaurant business is impressive….and to have survived the past, difficult COVID year, even more so! Wishing you many more years of pouring beer and wine and serving solomos, chorizos, and croquetas to regulars and new guests to Boise….hopefully for another 30 years!