Portland Chefs and Bar Earn James Beard Award Finalist Nods

Scotch Lodge, Gado Gado, and Nodoguro recognized among Oregon's 2026 finalists

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:41pm by Ben Kaplan

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeated image of a whisky glass in a grid pattern, using a bold, neon color palette and heavy black outlines to create a modern pop art aesthetic.The James Beard Foundation's recognition of Portland's Scotch Lodge as a finalist for Outstanding Bar highlights the city's thriving cocktail culture.Portland Today

The James Beard Foundation has announced its list of finalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards, with three establishments from Portland, Oregon earning nominations. Scotch Lodge is a finalist for Outstanding Bar, while Thomas Pisha-Duffly of Gado Gado and Ryan Roadhouse of Nodoguro are finalists for Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific.

Why it matters

The James Beard Awards are considered the Oscars of the food world, and being named a finalist is a major accomplishment that can significantly boost a restaurant or chef's profile and reputation. This recognition highlights the culinary talent and innovation coming out of Portland, Oregon, which has emerged as a leading food destination.

The details

Scotch Lodge, a popular subterranean bar that opened in 2019 with a focus on whisky and a food menu from chef Tim Artale, was named a finalist in the Outstanding Bar category. Meanwhile, Thomas Pisha-Duffly of Gado Gado and Ryan Roadhouse of Nodoguro were both selected as finalists for Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific.

  • The James Beard Foundation announced the finalists on March 31, 2026.
  • The 2026 James Beard Award winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on June 15, 2026.

The players

Scotch Lodge

A popular subterranean bar in Portland that opened in 2019 with a focus on whisky and a food menu from chef Tim Artale.

Thomas Pisha-Duffly

The chef at Gado Gado, a Portland restaurant, and a finalist for the 2026 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific.

Ryan Roadhouse

The chef at Nodoguro, a Portland restaurant, and a finalist for the 2026 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific.

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What they’re saying

“Getting a semifinalist nod, let alone being named a finalist or a winner of a James Beard Awards is a feather in the cap of any restaurant or chef and a high water mark in the careers of many industry professionals.”

— Brenna Houck, Dining editorial manager for the Eater network

What’s next

The 2026 James Beard Award winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on June 15, 2026.

The takeaway

Portland's culinary scene continues to shine, with three local establishments earning prestigious James Beard Award finalist nods. This recognition underscores the city's status as a leading food destination and the exceptional talent of its chefs and restaurateurs.