Recognized as esteemed culinary establishments, a select few restaurants across America proudly hold the distinction of the America’s Classics Award presented by the James Beard Foundation. This award, handed out annually, honors "locally owned restaurants that serve quality food, reflect the character of their communities, and have a timeless appeal," as described by the foundation.

It’s no small honor. The 2024 recipients of this award join an illustrious group of more than 100 restaurants countrywide that have received the award since its inception in 1998. The James Beard Foundation presents a series of awards to acknowledge “exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system," beyond just the America's Classics Award.

Co-chairs Lauren Saria and Allecia Vermillion, of the restaurant and chef awards subcommittee lauded the importance of the America’s Classics Award. According to them, it "showcases the beloved independent restaurants that have been integral to American food culture. It is an honor to recognize this year’s winners that embody their communities’ spirit and set a commendable standard for our entire industry."

June 10 will witness the grand celebration of these restaurants at the historic Lyric Opera of Chicago, along with other James Beard Foundation awardees. For the 2024 America's Classics Award recipients include:

First up, San Francisco’s ‘Mandalay’, the longest-running and arguably most loved Burmese restaurant in the country since 1984. Kevin Chen, the current owner describes the fare at Mandalay as drawing influences from India and China. The menu brims with traditional Burmese dishes like tea leaf salad, sour samusa soup, and Mandalay special noodle.

In Philadelphia, the Lai family’s ‘Vietnam Restaurant’ has earned a reputation as one of the city’s cherished dining spots, specializing in Vietnamese cuisine. Benny Lai, the second-generation restaurant owner, prides himself on maintaining the consistency in mouthwatering offerings like stuffed grape leaves, Philly’s crispiest spring rolls, fragrant noodle soups, and dishes graced with nước chấm.

In South Dakota, the ‘Pheasant Restaurant and Lounge’ stands as an emblem of simple, hearty mid-century food of the upper Midwest. Setting the standard for comfort food, their indulgent offerings, from hot roast beef to duck wings and lamb burgers, never fail to delight their regular customers.

‘Sylvia’s Restaurant’, fondly dubbed an "institution" in the Harlem community and beyond is next on our list. For 62 years and counting, Sylvia’s has been serving up traditional South Carolina soul food to eager patrons, from presidents and governors to local residents.

Another shining gem of the South, ‘Wade’s Restaurant’ is known for serving up Southern comfort food for over 70 years. Serving fresh yeast rolls, mac and cheese, sweet tea, and hand-breaded chicken to an average of 2,500 customers daily, their approach to service is founded on the principle of serving whole foods at fair prices.

Lastly, we have the ‘Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge’, a Las Vegas treasure for 50 years. Known for its bright neon lights, fire pits, oversized drinks and massive platters of diner classics, the Peppermill has featured in plenty of movies and even hosted many celebrities and mobsters.