From panels to pop-ups: James Beard Awards parties in Chicago
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A selection of pastries at Nobu's Japanese brunch during James Beard weekend 2024. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
Even if you don't have tickets for the official James Beard Award ceremony, there are still plenty of parties, pop-ups and panels happening in the lead up to Monday's big show.
- Here are some of the tastiest:
Friday
Sip and Guzzle cocktail party from 6 to 10pm at Hawksmoor, featuring Japanese-American cocktails from sister property, New York's Shingo Gokan's Sip & Guzzle.
Saturday
Culinary bookstore pop-up from 9am to 4:30pm at Maxwells Trading in the West Loop featuring collectible cookbooks, posters, records and food literature.
Up South pop-up from 11am to 5pm at Justice of the Pies in Avalon Park featuring southern and Caribbean dishes by New York chef Camari Mick of Raf's and Musket Room. Free, but you must reserve this week at [email protected].
Panel on mental health and sexual harassment in hospitality from 1 to 4pm at Loyal University's Regent Room downtown, featuring Justice for Migrant Women and leaders in the hospitality industry. Free. RSVP by Saturday.
Bar Colette takeover from 5 to 10pm at rooftop bar Chateau Carbide featuring beverage director Rubén Rolón serving cocktails from the celebrated Dallas bar's menu. Reservations available through OpenTable.
Sunday
Brunch bites and cocktails from 11am to 2pm at Nobu Chicago, featuring Japanese brunch with a view. $95 per person.
Regional pizza party from noon to 3pm at Bungalow by Middle Brow featuring Middle Brow's version of Jersey City pizzeria Razza's zucchini and guanciale pies. RSVP to [email protected] and if you need a table, book it with Resy.
Three-course Middle Eastern brunch from noon to 2:30pm at Galit, a James Beard finalist for Best Restaurant this year. $95 per person.
Mariscos patio party from 3:30 to 6:30pm at Bar Sótano, where Oklahoma-raised chef Rick Bayless will welcome nominee chef Zachary Walters of Oklahoma City's Sedalia's, a 2025 semi-finalist. Proceeds go to No Kid Hungry. $85 per person.
Midwest dinner paired with J. Henry & Son's Wisconsin whiskey, 5 to 10pm at Nettare in West Town. $90 per person.
Pizza party with mole pies 5pm at Middle Brow featuring pizza inspired by Beard-nominated Gusto Bakery of Long Beach, California. RSVP to [email protected] and if you need a table, book it with Resy.
Martini night from 6 to 10pm at Truce featuring variations on the classic drink to celebrate the semi-finalist nominations of Truce and West Loop's Bisous.
Summer Soiree from 6 to 9pm at Pandan, on the rooftop of the Viceroy Hotel in featuring lanterns, Asian cocktails and bites. $50 per person
Scotch Lodge pop-up party from 9pm to midnight at Friends of Friends featuring signature drinks from the Portland bar nominated for Best Bar. Entry is free, but you pay for your drinks.
New Orleans Cocktail party from 9pm to midnight at Sportsman's Club in West Town featuring Justin "Juice" LeClair, the mixologist of New Orleans's NightBloom.
Finally: If you can't make any of these parties, you can still whip up your favorite cocktail Monday night and watch the Axios red carpet livestream starting at 3:30 pm on our Instagram page followed by the Eater Livestream of the ceremony.