2 Texas restaurants nominated for most ‘outstanding’ in the country

(NEXSTAR) — The foundation behind one of the most prestigious awards in the culinary world has released its finalists for this year’s most “outstanding” restaurant in the country — and a couple of Texas restaurants made the cut.

The James Beard Foundation announced the nominees for its 33rd annual James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards. Considered one of the highest honors in the food world, the foundation recognizes exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts.

Awards range from the best chef in the country to lifetime achievement awards recognizing those who have made a lasting impact on the community.

This year, two Texas restaurants were nominated for one of the ceremony’s top honors, the most “outstanding” restaurant: Convenience West in Marfa and Mixtli in San Antonio.

Convenience West is a Texas barbecue restaurant that opened back in 2017. Their dining area is only open on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. — or until they sell out.

The barbecue spot also offers nationwide shipping for their loyal customers. They’ll ship merch, sauces, and even whole briskets right to your front door.

Mixtli is a Mexican restaurant established in 2013 that changes its menu every 45 days. According to the restaurant, their menu is like a cloud and travels from place to place offering a tour of Mexican gastronomy.

If you hope to eat at this ever-changing restaurant, you’ll need to buy a ticket ahead of time, which costs about $165 a person. They do allow walk-ins to eat in their bar area, but the menu is much more limited than in their dining room.

The other nominees going against these two Texas hotspots are The Compound in Santa Fe, New Mexico; Langbaan in Portland, Oregon; and Vestige in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

The winner will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 10, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.