Colorado’s culinary star keeps rising. More proof comes as the Centennial State can claim 17 of the recently announced James Beard Awards semifinalists. That’s the most ever from Colorado across the 25 categories of the prestigious awards.
As the center of Colorado’s food scene, Denver naturally drew the most honors in this latest batch. But other areas, including Grand Junction, Telluride and Parker, saw wider representation across the state. None of this year’s nominees are in Colorado Springs. The last — and only, to our knowledge — James Beard nominees in Colorado Springs were Chef Brother Luck (Four by Brother Luck) and Chef Luis Young, then chef de cuisine at The Penrose Room, in 2020. With the recent announcement of the Michelin Guide expanding, perhaps Olympic City USA will see more culinary hardware in the future.
For now, Springs foodies can reach these nationally recognized restaurants and bars fairly easily — or add them to a weekend getaway. They can also enjoy our 30 Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs, and see which ones deserve the national spotlight.
Here are all the 2026 James Beard Awards semifinalists from Colorado.
Outstanding Restaurateur
A restaurateur who uses their establishment(s) as a vehicle for building community, demonstrates creativity in entrepreneurship, and integrity in restaurant operations.
- Tommy Lee — Uncle, Hop Alley, and Molino Chido, Denver
Outstanding Chef
A chef who sets high culinary standards and has served as a positive example for other food professionals.
- Josh Niernberg — Bin 707 Foodbar, Grand Junction
Best New Restaurant
A restaurant opened between Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025, that already demonstrates excellence in cuisine, seems likely to make a significant impact in years to come, and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality and operations.
- Kizaki, Denver
Outstanding Bakery
A baker of breads, pastries, or desserts that demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality and operations.
- Poulette Bakeshop, Parker
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
A pastry chef or baker who makes desserts, pastries, or breads. Candidate demonstrates exceptional skills and can be affiliated with any food business and does not need a brick-and mortar presence.
- Emily Thompson — The Wolf’s Tailor, Denver
Outstanding Hospitality
A restaurant, bar, or bakery that fosters a sense of hospitality among its customers and staff that serves as a beacon for the community and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations.
- Restaurant Olivia, Denver
Outstanding Bar
A wine bar, beer bar, cocktail bar, coffee bar, or any other business whose primary offering is beverage and that demonstrates consistent excellence in curating a selection or in the preparation of drinks, along with outstanding atmosphere, hospitality, and operations.
- Lady Jane, Denver
Best New Bar
A wine bar, beer bar, cocktail bar, coffee bar, or any other business whose primary offering is beverage, opened between October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025, that already demonstrates excellence in beverages, seems likely to make a significant impact in years to come, and demonstrates consistent excellence in the preparation of drinks, sourcing, service, hospitality, atmosphere, and operations.
- Van Atta, Telluride
Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service
A service professional who curates and serves wine, beer, or other offerings such as sake, or low- and non-alcoholic beverages in a restaurant or bar setting; or winery, distillery, or brewery that also serves food. Candidate has set high standards; demonstrates creativity and consistency in excellence, innovation, and hospitality; is making efforts to create a sustainable work culture; and has served as an exceptional example or mentor for other beverage professionals.
- Ryan Fletter — Barolo Grill, Denver, CO
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
A service professional who creates and serves cocktails or other offerings such as low- and non-alcoholic beverages. Candidate has set high standards; demonstrates creativity and consistency in excellence, innovation, and hospitality; is making efforts to create a sustainable work culture; and has served as an exceptional example or mentor for other beverage professionals.
- McLain Hedges and Mary Allison Wright — Yacht Club, Denver
Best Chef: Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY)
Chefs who set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities and who are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions.
- Theo Adley — Marigold, Lyons
- Johnny Curiel — Alma Fonda Fina, Denver
- Dave Grant and Rocky Hunter — Gladys, Edgewater
- Miles Odell — Odell’s Bagel, Denver
- Bo Porytko — Molotov Kitschen + Cocktails, Denver
- Kenneth Wan — MAKfam, Denver
- Penelope Wong — Yuan Wonton, Denver
About the James Beard Awards
Given each year by the James Beard Foundation, the James Beard Awards recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to equity, community, sustainability and a culture where all can thrive.
A narrower list of finalists will be announced March 31 for the Restaurant and Chef Awards Nominees and Achievement Awards Honorees (including Impact Awards, Lifetime Achievement and Humanitarian of the Year. The 2026 winners will be announced at a gala in Chicago on June 15.
