The James Beard Foundation hosts annual awards to recognize excellence in the restaurant industry, and only two restaurants in the Hoosier state have received this distinction.

What is the James Beard Foundation?

The James Beard Foundation has been around since the 1980s, and it works to recognize excellence in the restaurant, hospitality, and media industries. James Beard was a chef and is best known as the pioneer of cooking shows.

The foundation works to highlight independent restaurants and chefs, and works with them to form new standards of excellence across the industry.

Established nearly 40 years ago, the James Beard Foundation is leading chefs and the broader culinary industry towards a new standard of excellence.

We believe in a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable independent restaurant industry that stands as a cornerstone of American culture, economy, and community - and drives towards a better food system.

Today, we amplify and recognize, educate and train those committed to a new standard of excellence in independent restaurants – fostering a deep appreciation among food lovers for the industry’s vital contributions to American food culture — what we call Good Food for Good®. (The James Beard Foundation)

Only Two Indiana Restaurants Have Ever Received a James Beard Award

According to CNN, the annual awards given out by the James Beard Foundation began in 1991, and they are considered to be one of the highest accolades in the culinary community.  The awards range from Best Chef to Best Bar, and everything in between.  When looking at the award winners through the years, I noticed only two restaurants in Indiana have received this prestigious award. 

The America's Classics Award From the James Beard Foundation

Both restaurants in the Hoosier State that have received a James Beard Foundation award both won in the same category (but in different years).  The America's Classics award is awarded to a restaurant that has been in business for at least a decade and has timeless appeal.

The James Beard Foundation defines America's Classic as:

A locally and independently owned restaurant with timeless appeal, beloved in its region for food that reflects the character and cultural traditions of its community.

The two restaurants in Indiana with this distinction are:

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Wagner's Village Inn

In 2023, Oldenburg's Wagner's Village Inn received the America's Classics award. They have been owned and operated by the same family since the 1960s, and are known for their family-style fried chicken dinners.

St. Elmo Steak House

Possibly the most famous restaurant in Indiana is St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis.  St. Elmo Steak House won the America's Classics award in 2012. It has been a Hoosier State landmark since 1902, and is known for its steaks and famous shrimp cocktail.

While these are the only two Indiana restaurants to win a James Beard award, there have been dozens nominated for awards over the years. You can see all past winners here.