The Star Hotel in Elko, Nevada.
Photo taken by Kassie Antonucci (Feb. 2018)The Star Hotel (locally referred to as “the Star”) is a restaurant located in downtown Elko, Nevada. One of the oldest buildings locally, the Star Hotel has been a longtime favorite of diners and is one of the first places any local will recommend as a place to eat. Known by its red color and the star sign on top of the building, it’s neon lights are visible to all once the sun starts to set. The restaurant is normally packed during business hours due to its popularity, making it sometimes difficult to locate a parking spot.
The restaurant's eating experience is that of a Basque, family style specializing in steaks and lamb dishes as well as a variety of other dishes from their lunch and dinner menus. For those not familiar with this style of dining, it can mean that you may share a table with strangers, although many locals enjoy this, and fosters a friendly environment. Additionally, side dishes are served “family style” meaning they come in separate serving bowls/plates and diners select what they wish to eat, transfer it to their own plates, and then pass the dish to the next person.
In addition to the dining area, there is a bar where customers can wait or simply enjoy a drink. Here they serve Picon Punch, a cocktail made of Amer Picon liqueur, grenadine, and brandy. It's a Basque tradition, said to "stimulate the appetite", and a favorite at the Star.
History
Pete Jauregui opened The Star Hotel in December of 1910. Construction had started in September of the same year and cost $11,000 to build. It was meant to be a “home away from home” for Basques who had immigrated to Nevada. If a person from Basque Country found themselves in need of a place to stay, they could board at The Star for a $1.00 a day. This became such a big practice, that many of their relatives would also move to the area to be ranchers and sheepherders, and as word spread, many Basques came and were among the primary developers of the open range sheep industry.
A table in the dining area with seating for eight.
Photo taken by Kassie Antonucci (Feb. 2018)
Meals were served family style; when the meals were ready, a waitress rang a large bell which could be heard everywhere in the hotel. There were no menus, and everyone ate the same thing at long tables where they mingled while eating. Meals included porru-salda (leek soup), baratzuri-salda (garlic soup), bacaloa a la vizcaina (salt cod in tomato and pimento sauce), clams and rice, garbanzos with chorizos, arroz con pollo (rice with chicken), rice pudding and flan or fruit. Later, Spaghetti and beans were added as side dishes.
When it was first built, there was not much of a “nightlife” and so the Star began holding dances. One attraction of these dances was the presence of young Basque girls who had come over to work in the hotel as maids and waitresses. Turnover was rapid because most of the young women quickly received marriage proposals. Many Weddings were performed at the Star, and the owner would provide the wedding dinner and dance as a gift to the happy couples.
In later years, the Star also served as a “lying-in hospital” for expectant mothers who came in from remote sheep camps and ranches where they lived. Matilde Jauregui, wife of the owner, assisted the doctor with deliveries and care of the mothers and their new- babies.
The Star Hotel Today
Family style service and the calling dinner bell for Boarders are customs that continue to this day. There are some long-term boarders, some who have lived there for over 30 years, and who are considered family, but most of the restaurant business comes from the community and tourism.
Just like in the early days, a waitress still rings a large bell that can be heard throughout the building to let Boarders know that it is time to eat. This sometimes startles those who are eating at the restaurant and have never had the chance to hear the bell before, as it is fairly loud.
“We do have Boarders that came over from Basque Country and live upstairs. They get three square meals a day and they usually eat in the back kitchen so you don’t see them come down” (Cassie Trembath - staff, 2018).
It is estimated that nearly 90% of the building is still the original wood from when it was built (the walls, floors, and bar all appear to be the original work). The building is in beautiful condition and it is clear the love that has gone into its maintenance. The walls are covered in décor as well as old photographs of family and previous owners.
Nowadays, most are not aware that in addition to the Boarders upstairs, there is also a bakery where the staff of The Star Hotel make all the bread used in the meals including desserts, rolls, and croutons.
The current owner of the Star Hotel is Scott Ygoa who purchased the establishment in November of 2004 and continue to provide the friendly atmosphere and excellent food that has been the hallmark of the Star since 1910. Scott can often be seen working the bar during dinner and his friendly nature keeps diners returning
Interesting Facts
- During World War I, a flu epidemic raged, and many stricken people were cared for at the Star.
- During prohibition, drinks were served in a private room where the evidence could quickly be hidden in the event of a raid.
- Board and room during the early years cost $1.00 a day, and drinks at the bar were eight to ten for $1.00.
- In 2012, the Star was one of six winners of a tourism campaign where is was chosen as one of Nevada’s best "treasures"
Previous Owners
Pete Jauregui: 1910-1929
Joe Corta: 1929
G.F. Arrascada and Albert Garamendi: 1910-1943
Pete Jauregui: 1943-1944
Fred and Bibiana Bengoa: 1944-1953.
Domingo and Marguerite Ozamis: 1953-1959
Jose Jauristi and Luis Alfonso Esnoz: 1959-1964
Joe and Anita Sarasua and John Aldazabal: 1964-1989
Miguel and Teresa Leonis and Severiano Lazcano: 1989-2004
References
“History of Family Style Restaurant in Elko, NV.” Star Hotel Basque Family Style Restaurant, www.elkostarhotel.com/history/.
The Star Hotel History, eatdrinkandbebasque.com/history1.html.
Trembath, Cassie. Interview by Kassie Antonucci. Web. 17 Feb. 2018.
Writer, ADELLA HARDING - Staff. “Historic Star Hotel Changes Ownership.” Elko Daily Free Press, 21 Dec. 2004, elkodaily.com/news/local/historic-star-hotel-changes-ownership/article_43e7212a-99bf-5311-b1c7-f19f21e5f238.html.
