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 Magpie
CHEF 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, Pumpers
BAR 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 Siesta
PASTRY 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, Nicosi
BREWERY 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 & Brewery
BEST 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 + Cocktails
NEIGHBORHOOD 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 Hayden
BEST 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


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

JUDGES

To Be Announced
More Details Soon

To Be Announced
More Details Soon

To Be Announced
More Details Soon

To Be Announced
More Details Soon


PARTNERS

The Yuengling Company

The Yuengling Company
Yuengling has persevered for six generations, spanning over 196 years, and has been continuously family-owned and operated since 1829. The Yuengling family remains committed to producing the highest-quality portfolio of beers for customers to enjoy. They vow to honor and respect the traditions that have kept the company strong and independent for nearly two centuries. Whether you are raising a glass of Yuengling for the first time or have been a lifelong fan, thank you for supporting “the Oldest Brewery in America.”

Jim Beam Black

Jim Beam Black
Jim Beam is one of America’s most iconic bourbon brands, dating back to 1795 when Jacob Beam started distilling. The family business evolved over generations, surviving Prohibition, and expanding globally. They know that something magical happens to the whiskey in its seventh year in cask. They call it the sweet spot, where an easy smoothness meets notes of caramel, vanilla, and warm oak, and the liquid turns a rich gold. This is the mellow whiskey you’ll find in the 7-year aged Jim Beam Black. The company makes a firm commitment to its drinkers to always age Jim Beam Black for those seven years. Now at 90-proof, enjoy Jim Beam Black neat, on the rocks, or any way you damn please. You can find more information, recipes, and where to purchase Jim Beam Black and other Jim Beam Bourbons at Finest American Bourbon Whiskey & Craft Spirits | Jim Beam®. Always follow the DrinkSmart rules and drink in moderation.

PICME Events

PicMe Events
PicMe Events is passionate about creating picture-perfect experiences. They work closely with clients to create immersive, exciting, and simply outstanding events and experiences. From surprises to show-stoppers, intimate gatherings to mass brand activations, they can do it all. Using the world’s best photo booth technology, they deliver immersive and engaging events that will leave your guests wanting more. Their No. 1 priority is making sure that their clients are able to walk away from their event satisfied and with memories they can treasure for years to come.

H-E-B

H-E-B
Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. Recognized for fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 160,000 partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers at more than 435 stores in more than 300 communities.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, email [email protected]


BENEFICIARY

Culinaria
Culinaria is an independent, not-for-profit organization, committed to promoting San Antonio as a premier food and wine destination, while fostering community growth and enrichment within the city we call home. For the past 21 years, Culinaria has been promoting locally sourced food and wine experiences in the San Antonio region through community events and culinary education opportunities, including Restaurant Weeks, a 5K run, a festival, and many others. Culinaria is San Antonio’s premiere food + drink go-to for events, openings and in-the-know kind of conversations. Culinaria has a mission of telling the tales of Restaurants, Wineries and the Beverage Scene.

Culinaria