San Antonio's hopes of finally winning a James Beard Award were quashed on Monday, June 15 as both local finalists went home empty-handed. Mixtli was up for Outstanding Restaurant andTavel Bristol-Joseph of Nicosi made it to the final voting for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker.

The James Beard Awards, widely considered the Oscars of the restaurant industry, recognize culinary prowess in a wide range of categories. The James Beard Foundation, the governing body of the awards, also honors excellence in several beverage categories, hospitality, and food writing.

Each year, a three-step process determines the final winner. San Antonio boasted seven semifinalists in the January round. In addition to the Mixtli team and Bristol-Joseph, the other Alamo City nominees included:

• Outstanding Chef: David Kirkland and Ernest Servantes, Burnt Bean Co. (Seguin)
• Best New Restaurant: Anacacho Coffee & Cantina
• Best Chef: Texas: Francisco Estrada and Lizzeth Martinez, Naco Mexican
• Best Chef: Texas: Emil Oliva, Leche de Tigre
• Best Chef: Texas: Sue Kim, The Magpie

Still, Texans has much to cheer about during the ceremony. Houston had a historic night at the James Beard Awards with two of Houston’s six finalists taking home prizes for both national awards and Best Chef: Texas.

They were:

• Emerging Chef: Adrian Torres, Maximo
• Best Chef Texas: Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu, Jūn

In addition, the Houston-based Southern Smoke Foundation, a nonprofit that provides emergency assistance and mental health services to hospitality workers, received an Impact Award at a separate ceremony on Sunday, June 14.

Each year, the awards recognize excellence by chefs and other culinary professionals in a wide range of categories from Outstanding Chef to Best New Restaurant. In 2025, the James Beard Foundation added three new categories to recognize the beverage side of hospitality: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.

Winners must also have “demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive,” according to the organization’s website.

---
Houston CultureMap Editor Eric Sandler contributed to this story.