List of James Beard America's Classics


Since 1998, the James [Beard Foundation] has awarded the title of America's Classics to multiple restaurants. The award focuses on family-owned restaurants across the country that have been operating for at least a decade. According to the Washington Post|Washington Post] the awards are given to restaurants “with timeless appeal, each beloved in its region for quality food that reflects the character of its community.”
The James Beard Foundation Awards have been likened to the Oscars of the food world due to its prestige and recognition. NPR described this award category "sneakily subversive". In the early years of the award, the focus was primarily on restaurants that served cuisines familiar to most Americans. However, in the late 2010s, the award began to include restaurants representing cuisines that were not traditionally considered part of the typical American diet. No restaurants were awarded in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
There were certain limitations for awardees, such as having menu items below a certain price cap. However, these restrictions were eventually relaxed. The award was initially known as the Regional Classics before being renamed as America's Classics.

Recipients

RestaurantState or
territory		CityYear
opened		Year
awarded		Year closed
Durgin ParkMassachusettsBoston182719982019
Doris & Ed's [Seafood Restaurant]New JerseyHighlands197819982011
H&H [Car Wash and Coffee Shop]TexasEl Paso195820012021
Waterman's [Beach Lobster]MaineSouth [Thomaston, Maine|South Thomaston]198620012016
Maison MarconiMarylandBaltimore192020022005
Prime BurgerNew YorkNew York City 196520042012
Sam Choy's KalokoHawaiiKailua Kona199120042004
Brookville HotelKansasAbilene187020072020
Jumbo'sFloridaMiami195520082014
Gustavus InnAlaskaGustavus196520102021
Crook's CornerNorth CarolinaChapel Hill198220112021
Watts [Tea Shop]WisconsinMilwaukee1930s20112016
Noriega Restaurant and HotelCaliforniaBakersfield189320112020
C. F. FolksDistrict of ColumbiaWashington198120132018
Sokolowski's University InnOhioCleveland192320142020
Nick's Italian CafeOregonMcMinnville197720142023
Matt's PlaceMontanaButte193020162021