Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

These Philly Bars & Restaurateurs Scored 2017 James Beard Award Nominations

These Philly Bars & Restaurateurs Scored 2017 James Beard Award Nominations

Several Philadelphia bars and restaurants scored coveted James Beard Award nominations for the 2017 season, and while previous nominations have focused on just a few of Philly’s finest, this year, the city is well represented in several categories.

When it comes to bars and booze, Martha was nominated for Outstanding Bar Program, and Sam Calagione (of Dogfish Head Brewing) and Herman C. Mihalich and John S. Cooper (of Dad’s Hat Rye) are up for Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Professional.

Notably, this year's awards include several female chefs and restauranteurs - while only two women have been recognized in both 2015 and 2016, this year's nominees include six women from the Philly restaurant scene.
 
The rest of the Philly nominations are below.

Best New Restaurant
Saté Kampar

Outstanding Baker
Tova du Plessis, Essen Bakery
Elizabeth Degener, Enfin Farms (Cape May, NJ)

Outstanding Bar Program
Martha

Outstanding Chef
Michael Solomonov

Outstanding Pastry Chef
Pat O’Malley, Hungry Pigeon

Outstanding Restaurant
Sagami, (Collingswood, NJ)

Outstanding Restaurateur
Stephen Starr, Starr Restaurants
Ellen Yin, High Street Hospitality Group

Outstanding Service
Zahav

Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional
Herman C. Mihalich and John S. Cooper, Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey (Bristol, PA)
Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (Milton, DE)

Rising Star Chef of the Year
Camille Cogswell, Zahav
Jesse Ito, Royal Izakaya

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic
Nicholas Elmi, Laurel
Rich Landau, Vedge
Cristina Martinez and Benjamin Miller, South Philly Barbacoa
Greg Vernick, Vernick Food & Drink
Joey Baldino, Zeppoli
Scott Anderson, Elements, Princeton, NJ

Photo via Dad’s Hat Rye on Facebook 

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Six Cocktails to Drink for the Opening Game of the World Cup

Six Cocktails to Drink for the Opening Game of the World Cup

Summer drinking season and the FIFA World Cup arrive at the same time this year, and Philly bars are the best place to enjoy both...read more ›

by Drink Philly Jun 9, 2026
Philly's Best Happy Hours: Dancerobot's Cocktails, Sake, & Snacks All Under $9

Philly's Best Happy Hours: Dancerobot's Cocktails, Sake, & Snacks All Under $9

On this week's episode, were all about dancerobot: Jesse Ito and Justin Bacharach's new retro Rittenhouse spot...read more ›

by Natalie Samuels May 26, 2026
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
Cocktails Quarterly: Best Bars to Drink in Philly, Spring 2026

Cocktails Quarterly: Best Bars to Drink in Philly, Spring 2026

Welcome to Cocktails Quarterly - Drink Philly's newest segment showcasing the best bars (new and old) where you should be getting a drink this Spring...read more ›

by Alisha Miranda May 12, 2026
Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Ed Lazzerini says his goal is clear - to make world class wine in Pennsylvania. From the taste of it, he is well on his way. ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Nov 21, 2020
Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2026

Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2026

We've got your definitive list of where to drink outside in Philadelphia this year...read more ›

by Drink Philly May 10, 2026
Mural City Cellars: Local Winery Spotlight on Philly's Winery That's Community Focused

Mural City Cellars: Local Winery Spotlight on Philly's Winery That's Community Focused

This family-friendly neighborhood winery positions itself as a welcoming place for all in the community...read more ›

by Robin Shreeves May 5, 2026
First 'World Class Top 15 Bartender' from Philadelphia: Behind the Bar with Alexis Ortega

First 'World Class Top 15 Bartender' from Philadelphia: Behind the Bar with Alexis Ortega

This time on Behind the Bar, we interview bartender Alexis Ortega about his experience in the industry, what h...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 26, 2026
Philly Hosts U.S. Bartenders' Guild Bar Summit, Featuring William H. Macy, Danny Childs, & More

Philly Hosts U.S. Bartenders' Guild Bar Summit, Featuring William H. Macy, Danny Childs, & More

William H. Macy is keynoting the US Bartenders' Guild Bar Summit in Philly this month...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Apr 21, 2026
Meadowbrook Winery: Local Winery Spotlight on NJ's Stunning New Tasting Room

Meadowbrook Winery: Local Winery Spotlight on NJ's Stunning New Tasting Room

One of New Jersey's newest wineries is in Oldwick, New Jersey and has just five grape varieties planted in its...read more ›

by Robin Shreeves Mar 2, 2026
SPONSORED
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close