
The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards return to celebrate San Antonio's top restaurant and bar talent for 2025. Our mission is to shine a spotlight on the people and places that shape San Antonio's vibrant culinary scene.Join us April 10 at Jack Guenther Pavilion at The Briscoe Museum for our signature tasting event and awards ceremony. We’ll celebrate all of the nominees and unveil this year’s winners, and you’ll enjoy an evening full of chef-prepared bites and specialty drinks.Get to know the nominees in our editorial series, and then join us April 10 as we toast the Tastemakers.CultureMap Tastemaker Awards
April 23, 2025
GA 7 pm | VIP 6 pm
Briscoe Museum
NOMINEES
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Bar Loretta
Best Quality Daughter
Clementine
Burnt Bean Co.
Isidore
Ladino
Mixtli
Nicosi
The MagpieCHEF OF THE YEAR
Berty Richter, Ladino
Christopher Cullum, Cullum’s Attaboy
David Kirkland and Ernest Servantes, Burnt Bean Co.
Emil Oliva, Leche de Tigre
Francisco Estrada and Lizzeth Martinez, Naco Mexican Eatery
Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin, Best Quality Daughter
John Russ, Clementine
Leo Davila
Paul Petersen, Bar Loretta
Stefan Bowers, PumpersBAR OF THE YEAR
Bombay Bicycle Club
Chiflada's Cocktail Bar
El Honky Tonk
Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen
Blessed Bogside
Holy Diver Tiki Lounge
Gimme Gimme
Tony's SiestaPASTRY CHEF OF THE YEAR
Alessia Benavides, Chocolatl
Elise Russ, Clementine
Jessica Philpot, Extra Fine Bakery
José and David Cáceres, La Panadería
Manny Martinez, The Grim Bakers
Sophie Jeffery, Spread the Loaves
Tavel Bristol-Joseph, NicosiBREWERY OF THE YEAR
Back Unturned Brewing Co.
Black Laboratory Brewing
Cactus Land Brewing Company
Cibolo Creek Brewing Co.
Dos Sirenos Brewing
Freetail Brewing Co.
Idle Beer Hall & Brewery
Longtab Brewing Company
Roadmap Brewing Co.
Wild Barley Kitchen & BreweryBEST NEW RESTAURANT
Bánh Mì 102
Casa Catrina
Dean's Steak & Seafood
El Maizal Tortillería
Fife & Farro
Freight Fried Chicken
Leo's Hideout
Maíz Cocina Mexicana
Mezquite
Nixtamali Molino + Comedor
Pumpers
Roca & Martillo
Smash’d
The Golden Goose
The Newstand
tryst. Kitchen + CocktailsNEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Beacon Hill Market & Deli
Bistr09
Con Huevos Tacos
Cullum's Attagirl
Full Belly Cafe & Bar
Garcia Barbecue
Luna Rosa
Outlaw Kitchens
Reese Bros Barbecue
The HaydenBEST COFFEE SHOP
Bright Coffee
Folklores Coffee House
Gravves Coffee
Early Bird Coffee
Estate Coffee Company
Mila Coffee
Press Coffee
San Antonio Gold
Theory Coffee Company
What's Brewing Coffee Roasters
PARTICIPANTS

Back Unturned Brewing Co.
2025 Brewery of the Year Nominee

Best Quality Daughter
2025 Chef of the Year
2025 Restaurant of the Year Nominee

Freight Fried Chicken
2025 Best New Restaurant Nominee

Gimme Gimme
2025 Bar of the Year Nominee

Naco Mexican Eatery
2025 Chef of the Year Nominee

Roca & Martillo
2025 Best New Restaurant Nominee

Spread the Loaves
2025 Pastry Chef of the Year Nominee

Wild Barley Kitchen & Brewery
2025 Brewery of the Year Nominee

Rooster Crow Bakery
2024 Pastry Chef of the Year Winner
2025 San Antonio Tastemaker Awards Judge
JUDGES

Brianna Caleri
Editor | CultureMap San Antonio and Austin

Brandon Watson
Contributor | CultureMap

Edmond Ortiz
Contributor | CultureMap San Antonio

Susie LaFredo
Partner and Co-Owner | The Flavors of Texas & San Antonio Restaurants

Emil Oliva
Chef and Owner | Leche de Tigre
2024 Restaurant of the Year Winner

Nicola Blaque
Chef and Owner | The Jerk Shack & Freight Fried Chicken
2024 Chef of the Year Winner

Roger Herr
Owner | Bar Loretta
2024 Bar of the Year Winner

David Gilbert
Owner | Thai Bird Restaurants
2024 Best New Restaurant Winner

Jenn Riesman
Pastry Chef | Rooster Crow Bakery
2024 Pastry Chef of the Year Winner

John Russ
Owner and Chef | Clementine
2024 Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year Winner

Tim McDiarmid
Owner and Founder | The Good Kind Hospitality Group
2024 Best Patio Winner