Every year, the James Beard Foundation honors a handful of locally owned restaurants with its prestigious America’s Classics Award, a recognition reserved for timeless establishments that serve outstanding food and hold deep roots in their communities. The 2025 recipients reflect the diversity of American cuisine, celebrating everything from old-school barbecue and Creole soul food to Anchorage’s best fried chicken.
These six winners will be honored at the James Beard Awards ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Let’s take a closer look at the restaurants earning a place in culinary history this year.
Lem’s Bar-B-Q – Chicago, IL
Founded in 1954 by brothers Myles and Bruce Lemons, this legendary BBQ joint remains a South Side institution. Famous for its aquarium-style smoker and signature rib tips, Lem’s is now run by James B. Lemons’ youngest daughter, Carmen, who continues the family’s tradition of smoky, saucy excellence.
The Pioneer Saloon – Ketchum, ID
Known affectionately as “The Pio,” this rustic eatery is a haven for steak lovers. Originally built in the 1940s as a casino, it’s now famed for its locally sourced beef, its Idaho-baked “Jim Spud” potato, and a nostalgic atmosphere filled with Hemingway memorabilia and Western artifacts.
Sullivan’s Castle Island – Boston, MA
A Boston staple since 1951, “Sully’s” began as a seaside hot dog stand and has since grown into a multi-generational institution. Bostonians flock here for crinkle-cut fries, overstuffed lobster rolls, and the nostalgia of summers spent at Castle Island.
Lucky Wishbone – Anchorage, AK
Since 1955, this Anchorage diner has been dishing out crispy fried chicken, juicy burgers, and rich milkshakes. Founded by WWII pilot George Brown and his wife, Peggy, it has survived earthquakes and decades of change while remaining a cherished gathering spot for locals.
Dooky Chase – New Orleans, LA
A cornerstone of Creole cuisine and a civil rights-era meeting place, Dooky Chase has been serving up gumbo, fried chicken, and shrimp Creole for over 80 years. The late Leah Chase, affectionately known as the “Queen of Creole Cuisine,” made the restaurant a cultural landmark. Today, the Chase family carries on her legacy.
Gaido’s – Galveston, TX
For over a century, Gaido’s has been the go-to destination for Gulf seafood in Texas. Established in 1911 by Italian immigrant San Giacinto Gaido, the restaurant is famous for its fresh, never-frozen seafood, its friendly service, and its role as a historic landmark on Galveston’s Seawall.
These restaurants aren’t just great places to eat—they’re living testaments to the power of food to build communities and preserve culture. Congratulations to the 2025 America’s Classics winners!
