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3d ago

35th James Beard Awards Celebrate Chicago Chefs at Lyric Opera House

The sold-out ceremony features new awards for bars and beverage service alongside five local finalists competing for top honors

Chef Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast won the 2025 James Beard Award for Best Chef Texas.
Chef Thomas Bille and his wife, Elizabeth Bille, at Belly of the Beast in Spring.
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Overview

  • Chicago’s Lyric Opera House is hosting the 35th annual James Beard Awards on June 16, marking the ceremony’s eighth year in the city since relocating from New York in 2015.
  • Five Chicago restaurants—Galit, Maxwells Trading, HaiSous, Oriole and Kumiko—are finalists in categories such as Outstanding Restaurant and Best Chef: Great Lakes.
  • Lem’s Bar-B-Q earned an America’s Classics award in recognition of its enduring South Side legacy.
  • The James Beard Foundation introduced two new categories this year: Best New Bar and Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service.
  • Hosted by Nyesha Arrington and Andrew Zimmern, the sold-out event will be livestreamed online and includes industry panels and parties across the city.