Fresh off the heels of earning the title of one of the best bars in North America, Julep cocktail bar in Houston has earned an even greater prestige: the James Beard Award.
As described by Chicago Suntimes as “the Oscars of the culinary industry” the James Beard Awards honor the best restaurants, bars, chefs, mixologists, food industry writers, and more.
During the Chef Award ceremony this past Monday, officials bestowed awards unto five Texans:
Officials awarded Edgar Rico, chef at Nixta Taqueria in Austin for Emerging Chef; Iliana de la Vega, chef at El Naranjo in Austin for Best Chef: Texas; Jesse Griffiths, chef at Dai Due in Austin for his book: The Hog Book: A Chef’s Guide to Hunting, Butchering, and Cooking Wild Pigs; and Jose Ralat, Taco Editor at Texas Monthly for his columns.
For the first time in the history of the award ceremony, Houston won in a national category with the award for Outstanding Bar Program going to Julep cocktail bar.
“Thank you to my home city of Houston, Texas for loving immigrants — for loving immigrants like me, like my family — and welcoming us and giving us the path to opening our own businesses,” said Huerta.
Just last week, the World’s 50 Best named Julep as number 46 on their list of North America’s 50 Best Bars 2022 – the sole Texas bar on the list.
“True to name, Julep exudes the elegance of the Whiskey South.” the publication writes. “Flowers make the bright, airy room even more welcoming and provide a hint at the menu to follow. Owner Alba Huerta is a master at creating unique flavours by incorporating herbs, spices and even vegetables into drinks.”
Julep’s Happy Hour features half-off cocktails and wines by the glass from 4 to 5:30 pm from Monday to Friday. Otherwise, the bar is open from 4 pm to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and from 4 pm to 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays.