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6 Austin restaurants named semifinalists for 2025 James Beard Awards

A lit-up sign that says "LeRoy and Lewis" on the awning of a building.
Michael Minasi
/
KUT News
LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue won a Michelin Star last year. Chef Evan LeRoy has been named a semifinalist for "Best Chef: Texas" in the 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards.

Six Austin restaurants made the semifinalist list for this year’s James Beard Awards, including one for the new category, outstanding professional in beverage service.

The finalists will be announced April 2, and the winners won’t be known until June 16. But that waiting period is a great time to dine out both in Austin and around the state. Texas restaurants, bars and chefs received a total of 41 nods.

Here are the Austin-area semifinalists:

Outstanding Chef: Tavel Bristol-Joseph of Canje

Best New Restaurant: Lao’d Bar

Outstanding Bar: Techo Mezcaleria & Agave Bar

Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service: Arjav Ezekiel of Birdie's

Best Chef: Texas:

  • Takéhiro Asazu and Masazumi Saio of Uroko
  • Evan LeRoy of LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue

For the full list of semifinalists, check out the James Beard Foundation’s announcement.

Wynne Davis is KUT's assistant digital editor. Got a tip? Email her at wdavis@kut.org.
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