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ABOUT

The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards return to celebrate San Antonio’s top restaurant and bar talent for 2026. Our mission is to shine a spotlight on the people and places that make San Antonio a world-class culinary destination.

Join us May 14 at the 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 chef-prepared bites and specialty drinks all night.

Get to know the nominees in our special editorial series, then join us May 14 as we toast the Tastemakers.

This is a sell-out event — get your tickets now!

CultureMap Tastemaker Awards

May 14, 2026

GA 7 pm | VIP 6 pm

Jack Guenther Pavilion at The Briscoe Museum

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NOMINEES

Meet the exceptional culinary talent nominated in this year's awards.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

Best Quality DaughterBurnt Bean Co.Chika OmakaseCullum's AttaboyEl Pastor es Mi SeñorIsidoreMixtliPetit CoquinReese Bros BBQShiro Japanese BistroThe Magpie

CHEF OF THE YEAR

Alex Sarmiento; Brenda Sarmiento, El Pastor es Mi SeñorAndrew Ho; Andrew Samia; Sean Wen, Curry Boys BBQBerty Richter, LadinoChristopher Cullum, Cullum’s AttaboyDavid Kirkland; Ernest Servantes, Burnt Bean Co.Emil Oliva, Leche de TigreEsaul Ramos, 2M SmokehouseJohn Ramos; Jonathan Reyes, ChikaLeo Davila, Anacacho, EsenciaPaul Petersen, Bar LorettaSue Kim, The Magpie

BAR OF THE YEAR

Chiflada'sDouble StandardHoly DiverJue LetLighthouse LoungeSlow RideThe RoundaboutThree Star BarTony's SiestaVolta

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Anacacho Coffee & CantinaChurch BurgerGigi's DeliHoney's Chicken JointJots at Gunter HotelKaedama BattleshipKing William Wine Co.Lovers PizzeriaMax's SisterOtto's Ice HousePetit CoquinSan Peter TaqueriaSouth BarbecueTacopolisThe Desert Spoon (Spring Branch)Tucker’s Italian

NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

Bar LorettaBarbaroBlissCappy'sCon Huevos TacosIl FornoMare e MonteMomo HouseOutlaw KitchensPazzo PastariaThe Hut DinerThe Jerk Shack

RISING STAR CHEF OF THE YEAR

Adesuwa Elaiho, AsukarBrian Reese, The MagpieIan Lanphear, IsidoreJaime Gonzalez, Wok WeyJason Garcia, Tucker’s ItalianJavi Gutierrez, Porc Slap; Buddy'sJorge Flores, Reese Bros; Burritos FronteraKarla Espinosa, Art to TableMatt Garcia, Gigi's DeliMatti Bills, Howdy Child

DESSERT PROGRAM OF THE YEAR

Bahklovah BakeryBakery LorraineClementineExtra FineHonchos - The House of ChurrosLaika CheesecakesMax's SisterNicosiPanifico Bake Shop

COFFEE SHOP OF THE YEAR

Barrio BaristaCasa Pink Studio CoffeeEstate CoffeeFlowergirl CoffeeGravves CoffeeMila CoffeeNoFi Slow BarRose Hip MarketSan Antonio GoldSilhouette CoffeeTheory Coffee Company

BEST SANDWICH

Beacon Hill Market & DeliBilia EateryExtra FineGigi's DeliGino's DeliRoHo Pork & BreadSmack’s Chicken ShackStation CafeThe NewstandThe Wicked WichZito's Deli

BEST POP-UP

Buddy's Big TroubleBurritos FronteraCrispy Bao GangDeath Burger at Little DeathKin Khao Thai FoodMala Suerte Food LabMasshole Lobster TruckPony BoysPorc SlapPuro PorkTacos CucuyThe Fajita Lounge
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PARTICIPANTS

Delicious details coming soon!

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JUDGES

Meet our distinguished panel of culinary experts and past Tastemakers winners.

Brandon Watson headshot
Brandon Watson
Editor, CultureMap San Antonio
Dustin Baker headshot
Dustin Baker
Owner/Brewer, Roadmap Brewing Co.
2025 Brewery of the Year Winner
Alessia Benavides headshot
Alessia Benavides
Pastry Chef and Chocolatier, Chocolatl
2025 Pastry Chef of the Year Winner
Nicola Blaque headshot
Nicola Blaque
Chef/Owner, Freight Fried Chicken
2025 Best New Restaurant Winner
Christopher Cullum headshot
Christopher Cullum
Chef/Owner, Attaboy & Attagirl
2025 Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year Winner
Roger Herr headshot
Roger Herr
Owner, Gimme Gimme
2025 Bar of the Year Winner
Emilie Herrera headshot
Emilie Herrera
Owner/CEO, Folklores Coffee House
2025 Best Coffee Shop Winner
Berty Richter headshot
Berty Richter
Chef/Partner, Ladino
2025 Restaurant of the Year Winner
John Russ headshot
John Russ
Chef/Owner, Clementine
2025 Chef of the Year Winner
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PARTNERS

The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards program is brought to you by the following partners.

NXT LVL EVENT logo
NXT LVL EVENT

NXT LVL EVENT is an experiential marketing and immersive event company that transforms ordinary gatherings into unforgettable brand moments. It specializes in interactive photo, video, and AI-powered activations that blend technology, creativity, and human connection, helping brands engage guests in meaningful, shareable ways. From corporate events to large-scale brand activations, NXT LVL EVENT creates experiences where stories come to life and brands become experience

Visit →
Maker's Mark logo
Maker's Mark

Maker's Mark was built on doing things differently –– by hand, by heart, and by a standard that hasn't changed since day one. Since 1953, Maker's Mark has made a series of unconventional decisions to become the icon it is today. From burning the original recipe to harnessing the power of regenerative agriculture, the brand’s unique commitment to making a better bourbon and a better world is the story they want to tell globally. Going to unreasonable lengths –– in life, and in bourbon –– is what separates the good from the remarkable.

Visit →

For sponsorship opportunities, email sales@culturemap.com

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BENEFICIARY

Culinaria logo

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. For more than 20 years, Culinaria has been promoting locally sourced food and wine experiences in the San Antonio region through community events and culinary education opportunities, including annual Restaurant Weeks, festivals, 5K runs, and more.

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