Birdie’s Wins Austin’s First National Beverage Award from James Beard Foundation

Birdie’s secured its first James Beard Award and was the only Austin restaurant to walk away with the honor at this year’s annual gala in Chicago on Monday.

Co-owner and beverage director Arjav Ezekiel received the Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service award for the contemporary American restaurant’s seasonally rotating wine list. Ezekiel became the first Austin restaurant owner to earn this national recognition.

After debuting in July 2021, Birdie’s made a splash both locally and nationally, landing a spot on The New York Times’ 2021 list of the 50 most exciting new restaurants, as well as a recommended restaurant in the Texas Michelin Guide. Ezekiel and his wife, chef Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel, have created a laid-back, fine-dining neighborhood joint that draws people in for its prix-fixe menu with a modern take on American cuisine that changes daily.

Ezekiel’s curated beverage program has also been recognized by Food and Wine Magazine, Bon Appétit, Wine Enthusiast and Esquire. He was a nominee for Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Star Awards and Esquire Magazine named him Sommelier of the Year in 2022.

Birdie’s was one of three Texas restaurants to earn a James Beard Award at this year’s ceremony. Chef Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast in Spring won the Best Chef: Texas honor, and Gaido’s in Galveston won a 2025 James Beard America’s Classics title.

Ezekiel started his culinary career in Washington, D.C., at Wolfgang Puck’s The Source before moving on to Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-winning Komi. He then moved to New York City and helped open Danny Meyer’s Untitled, where he met his wife. The couple ultimately ended up in Texas, Malechek-Ezekiel‘s home state, to pursue their dream of owning their own business and have been racking up accolades ever since.

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