MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The James Beard Foundation announced its 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists in advance of the James Beard Awards, and several Milwaukee chefs and two bars made the list.

Outstanding Chef

• Gregory León, Amilinda

Best Chef: Midwest

• Ross Bachhuber and Samuel Ek, Odd Duck
• Dan Jacobs and Dan Van Rite, EsterEv
• Kyle Knall, Birch
  

Outstanding Bar 

• Bryant's Cocktail Lounge
  

Best New Bar (new category!)

• Agency
  

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Awards, celebrating excellence across all types of dining experiences, from fine dining to casual establishments, and are one of several recognition programs of the awards.

View the full list of semifinalists here.