Scotch Lodge in Portland, Oregon won the 2026 James Beard Outstanding Bar award, announced June 15, 2026 at the Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Founder Tommy Klus accepted the national medal for the Southeast Portland whiskey bar. The other four finalists were Bow and Arrow Brewing Co. in Albuquerque, The Lovers Bar at Friday Saturday Sunday in Philadelphia, Onyx Coffee Lab in Rogers, Arkansas, and Smuggler's Cove in San Francisco. The 2025 winner Kumiko in Chicago was ineligible to repeat. This market resolves YES because the winner sits outside the five boroughs of New York City. Portland took home three total James Beard medals in 2026, the strongest showing for the city since Naomi Pomeroy in 2014.
10 = primary source confirmed, no ambiguity. 7-9 = strong evidence, minor interpretation. Below 7 = material uncertainty; market should have been voided.
Resolves YES if the 2026 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Award for Outstanding Bar is awarded to a venue whose primary location is outside the five boroughs of New York City. Resolves NO if the winner is a New York City venue. Voids if the award is not given in 2026.
James Beard Foundation announcement (June 2026 ceremony)