Chicago restaurant, bar among most ‘outstanding’ in U.S.

(NEXSTAR) – Foodies and restaurant lovers across the U.S. will need to add some new spots to their lists of places to eat with the James Beard Foundation officially announcing its finalists for this year’s most “outstanding” restaurant and bar in the country.

The foundation recently announced its list of nominees for the 35th annual James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards, which will be held in Chicago on June 16.

Winning a James Beard award is considered one of the highest honors in the food world, the foundation recognizes exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts.

This year’s nominees for Most Outstanding Restaurant are all over the U.S. The first is all the way out west in Portland, Oregon, Coquine. The restaurant serves French-inspired meals and is apparently located on top of an extinct volcano.

The next restaurant is Frasca Food and Wine found in Boulder, Colorado. Frasca draws inspiration from the culinary and wine traditions of Italy.

The third nominee is found in Chicago, Illinois, Galit. A Middle-Eastern restaurant that focuses on a seasonal and localized approach to dishes.

Next is south in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where Nonesuch can be found. An American restaurant with an adventurous tasting menu.

The final restaurant that was nominated was Oberlin, which can be found all the way in the northeast corner of the country in Providence, Rhode Island. An Italian restaurant best known for its pasta and fish dishes.

Similarly, there are five bars nominated as the most outstanding in the U.S. You can find the nearest one near you and check it out:

• Kumiko — Chicago, IL
• Scotch Lodge — Portland, OR
• The Lovers Bar at Friday Saturday Sunday — Philadelphia, PA
• Water Witch — Salt Lake City, UT
• Wolf Tree — White River Junction, VT