The James Beard Foundation has officially announced the semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards, marking a key moment for the culinary and beverage industries. Widely regarded as the most prestigious accolades in the food and drink world, the awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and impact across multiple categories, including outstanding bars and mixologists.
Spotlight on Bars and Beverage Programs
Among the 2025 semifinalists, the bar and beverage categories once again showcase some of the most creative and influential players in the industry. This year’s contenders highlight trends like sustainability, locality, and storytelling through cocktails.
Semifinalists for Outstanding Bar are:
- Apothecary (Dallas, TX): A creative haven known for its modern take on classic cocktails.
- Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge (Milwaukee, WI): A historic venue known for its timeless charm and meticulously crafted cocktails.
- Café La Trova (Miami, FL): Combining Cuban culture, music, and mixology into an unforgettable experience.
- Chandelier Bar (New Orleans, LA): A luxurious setting offering inventive cocktails with Southern flair.
- Devil’s Toboggan (Bozeman, MT): A hidden gem in Montana, celebrated for its unique and adventurous cocktails.
- John Brown’s Underground (Lawrence, KS): A speakeasy-style bar with a reputation for bold, creative drinks.
- Kumiko (Chicago, IL): A bar that masterfully blends Japanese flavors with innovative techniques.
- Law Bird (Columbus, OH): A cozy and inviting spot known for its exceptional attention to detail in cocktails.
- Leyenda (Brooklyn, NY): A pan-Latin cocktail bar celebrated for its vibrant drinks and warm hospitality.
- Little Rituals (Phoenix, AZ): Praised for its inventive menu and focus on guest experience.
- Lone Wolf Lounge (Savannah, GA): A quirky, laid-back bar delivering both charm and exceptional cocktails.
- Roquette (Seattle, WA): Renowned for its chic ambiance and expertly crafted drinks.
- Scotch Lodge (Portland, OR): A whiskey-lover’s paradise with a creative cocktail menu to match.
- Techo Mezcaleria & Agave Bar (Austin, TX): Highlighting agave spirits through innovative and authentic creations.
- The Bar at Willett (Bardstown, KY): Nestled in a historic distillery, offering a unique bourbon-forward experience.
- The Lovers Bar at Friday Saturday Sunday (Philadelphia, PA): A destination for romantic vibes and expertly crafted cocktails.
- Thunderbolt (Los Angeles, CA): A bar with a community-driven approach and bold, approachable drinks.
- True Laurel (San Francisco, CA): Known for its seasonal approach to cocktails and culinary inspiration.
- Water Witch (Salt Lake City, UT): A small bar with a big focus on creativity and hospitality.
- Wolf Tree (White River Junction, VT): A Vermont treasure, blending rustic charm with innovative cocktails.
Semifinalists for Best New Bar are:
- The Abbey (Brunswick, ME): Known for its cozy atmosphere and innovative cocktails.
- Agency (Milwaukee, WI): A sleek, modern bar making waves in the Midwest.
- The Bar Beej (Durham, NC): Celebrated for its creative drinks and community vibe.
- Bar Cana (Washington, D.C.): A stylish venue with expertly crafted cocktails.
- Bar Colette (Dallas, TX): Combining classic techniques with contemporary flavors.
- Bar Contra (New York, NY): A chic spot known for its bold and artistic approach.
- Bisous (Chicago, IL): An intimate bar focused on delivering unique cocktail experiences.
- Equal Measure (Boston, MA): A newcomer emphasizing balance and creativity in every drink.
- The Halfway Club (San Francisco, CA): A hidden gem with a penchant for inventive mixology.
- Identidad Cocktail Bar (San Juan, PR): Showcasing Puerto Rican culture through thoughtfully crafted drinks.
- Kampar Kongsi (Philadelphia, PA): A vibrant space blending cultural influences in its cocktails.
- Kid Sister (Phoenix, AZ): A fun and approachable bar with a playful menu.
- Marietta Proper (Marietta, GA): Bringing Southern charm to the cocktail scene.
- Merai (Brookline, MA): A cozy spot with a focus on storytelling through cocktails.
- Roma Norte (San Diego, CA): A destination for authentic flavors and creative techniques.
- Sip & Guzzle (New York, NY): A fresh addition to NYC’s bar scene, focused on bold flavors.
- Sophon (Seattle, WA): Delivering innovative cocktails in a sophisticated setting.
- Traveling Mercies (Aurora, CO): A whimsical bar with an ever-evolving menu.
- Truce (Chicago, IL): Celebrated for its contemporary take on classic cocktails.
- ViceVersa (Miami, FL): Combining artistry and fun in a vibrant Miami setting.
Emerging Trends in Mixology
This year’s nominees reflect key industry trends:
- Sustainability: Bars like Kumiko and Techo Mezcaleria are leading the charge with sustainable practices and locally sourced ingredients.
- Cultural Fusion: Venues such as Café La Trova and Leyenda incorporate global influences, blending traditional techniques with innovative presentations.
- Elevated Hospitality: Apothecary and The Lovers Bar exemplify the importance of creating memorable guest experiences, from ambiance to execution.
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
The James Beard Foundation also recognizes individuals who have elevated cocktail craftsmanship and service. The semifinalists for 2025 are:
- Anu Apte, Rob Roy, Seattle, WA
- Kursten Berry, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, Atlanta, GA
- Jax Donahue, Carry On, Phoenix, AZ
- Kate Gerwin, Happy Accidents, Albuquerque, NM
- Abigail Gullo, LOA Bar, New Orleans, LA
- McLain Hedges and Mary Allison Wright, Yacht Club, Denver, CO
- Colleen Hughes, Supperland, Charlotte, NC
- Ignacio Jimenez, Superbueno, New York, NY
- Andra “AJ” Johnson, Serenata, Washington, D.C.
- Dre Levon, Clavel, Baltimore, MD
- Danny Louie, KAIYŌ, San Francisco, CA
- Christopher Marty, Best Intentions, Chicago, IL
- Nathaniel Meiklejohn, The Jewel Box, Portland, ME
- Dave Newman, Pint + Jigger, Honolulu, HI
- Jay Sanders, Wild Child, Shawnee, KS
- Tobin Shea, Redbird, Los Angeles, CA
- Oscar Simoza, The Wig Shop, Boston, MA
- Mike Stankovich, Longfellow, Cincinnati, OH
- Alan Walter, The Brakes Bar, Baton Rouge, LA
- Takuma Watanabe, Martiny’s, New York, NY
The Road to the Finals
The semifinalist announcement is only the first step in the James Beard Awards journey. Finalists will be announced on March 27, 2025, followed by the highly anticipated awards ceremony on May 6, 2025, in Chicago. Winners in each category will be recognized for their excellence and lasting impact on the industry.
