Texas Tastemakers

These are the best restaurants and bars in Texas for 2017

Each year, we hold a Texas-sized celebration of two of the things we love most: food and drink. The annual CultureMap Tastemaker Awardshonorsthe top restaurant and bar talent in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio.

The program started in Austin in 2012 and has expanded to include every city we cover. Our mission is to shine a spotlight on the people making the restaurant scene special and honor their innovation, energy, and creativity. Here's how it works. First, we collaborated with industry experts to determine a list of nominees in each city. Our local panels then selected winners in every category, except Best New Restaurant, which was determined by you, our savvy readers.

The winners were revealed at our swanky tasting events and awards ceremonies, held April 18-20 in Houston, Austin, and Dallas. (See highlights from the Dallas party here.)

Meet the winners below, and join us in toasting the best of Texas dining right now.

Austin

Restaurant of the Year: Emmer & Rye
Chef of the Year: Todd Duplechan, Lenoir
Rising Star Chef of the Year: James Dumapit and David Baek, Old Thousand
Pastry Chef of the Year: Abby Love, Dai Due
Bar of the Year: King Bee Lounge
Bartender of the Year: Josh Loving, Small Victory
Brewery of the Year: Hops & Grain
Wine Program of the Year: Bufalina
Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year: June's All Day
Best Burger: Contigo
Best New Restaurant: Sophia's

Dallas

Restaurant of the Year: Lucia
Chef of the Year: Julian Barsotti, Nonna, Carbone's, Sprezza
Rising Star Chef of the Year: Josh Sutcliff, Mirador
Pastry Chef of the Year: Sarah Green, The Joule
Bar of the Year: Armoury D.E.
Bartender of the Year: Charlie Papaceno, Industry Alley Bar
Wine Program of the Year: Gemma
Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year: Bbbop Seoul Kitchen
Best Fried Chicken: The Slow Bone
Best New Restaurant: Pie Tap Pizza Workshop + Bar

Fort Worth

Restaurant of the Year: Tokyo Cafe
Chef of the Year: Jesus Garcia, Oni Ramen
Best New Restaurant: Tortaco

Houston

Restaurant of the Year: Coltivare Pizza & Garden
Chef of the Year: Ryan Pera, Coltivare Pizza & Garden
Rising Star Chef of the Year: Martha de Leon, Pax Americana
Pastry Chef of the Year: Victoria Dearmond, One Fifth/Underbelly
Bar of the Year: Eight Row Flint
Bartender of the Year: Leslie Ross Krockenberger, Reserve 101
Wine Program of the Year: Pappas Bros Steakhouse
Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year: State of Grace
Favorite Taco: Tacos Tierra Caliente
Best New Restaurant: State Fare

San Antonio

Restaurant of the Year: The Bin Tapas Bar
Chef of the Year: Stefan Bowers, Feast
Best New Restaurant: Sangria on the Burg

Emmer & Rye, Austin Restaurant of the Year.

Emmer and Rye 2015 Austin restaurant grain salad

Photo by Melody Fury

Emmer & Rye, Austin Restaurant of the Year.

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Fro Yo News

Healthy dual restaurant serving smoothies and froyo to open in Prosper

Red Mango

Smoothies and frozen yogurt are coming to Prosper with two restaurants in one: Smoothie Factory + Kitchen and co-branded Red Mango will open at 1470 W. Frontier Pkwy. #102, on May 17.

On the Smoothie Kitchen side, they'll serve smoothies, juices, fruit power bowls, toasts, and grilled sandwich folds.

On the Red Mango side, they'll serve frozen yogurt with a self-serve model featuring four flavors, two additional swirl combinations, and 13 toppings.

Smoothie Factory was founded in the 1980s; Red Mango was founded in Dallas in 2007 had has 60 locations in the U.S. and internationally. The concepts are siblings — both part of the franchise portfolio of Dallas-based franchising company Brix Holdings, LLC.

Bringing the concept to Prosper are franchisees Lanford and Chianna Rodgers. Lanford is a former Illinois state trooper and independent insurance business owner, and Chiana is a financial advisor.

Together, they’re looking to offer a healthy and welcoming experience to a growing city.

“My professional career has changed over the years, but the one thing that unifies my experience is my purpose to help, support and build a community with new people,” says Chianna. “As I begin my journey as a small business owner and we open our doors to the Prosper community, I’m dedicated to leading a team that feels supported and is passionate about serving high-quality products and creating an unforgettable customer experience.”

Customers who show up on opening day can expect promotions, giveaways, prizes, and activities.

”The opening of the new Smoothie Factory + Kitchen and Red Mango location is one of many of our continuous efforts to provide better-for-you options to our guests by increasing access to healthy and delicious options in our communities,” says BRIX Holdings CEO Sherif Mityas in a statement. “Lanford is a passionate and dedicated owner with a team ready to make a positive impact and change the lives of their guests with fresh food, quality service, and a seamless customer experience. I’m confident that this location will be a Prosper neighborhood staple.”

openings ice cream desserts

Texas Tastemakers

These are the best restaurants and bars in Texas for 2017

Emmer & Rye, Austin Restaurant of the Year.

Fro Yo News

Healthy dual restaurant serving smoothies and froyo to open in Prosper

Vintage downtown Dallas building to become lounge with stellar drinks

Chuy's from Knox Dallas now open at new Greenville Avenue space

Italian gourmet grocery gets ready for business in downtown Dallas