Tobin Shea | Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
Honored to be recognized by the James Beard Foundation as a semifinalist for the 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards.
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
Tobin Shea, Redbird, Los Angeles, CA
Tobin Shea was not always the Bar Master for Redbird and Vibiana. His foray into the restaurant industry began humbly, at a local bar near his college campus in Pennsylvania. After graduating and attempting a brief stint in the corporate world, Shea realized his true passion lived behind the bar. Two decades later, he is now known for his elegantly crafted and well-balanced cocktails. The knowledge that he cultivated over the years has helped him to create a beverage program that not only stands on its own, but seamlessly pairs with chef/owner Neal Fraser’s globally-inspired menu and owner/operator Amy Knoll’s eclectic approach to design.
Shea naturally gravitates towards the classic cocktails from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, resurrecting forgotten recipes while adding a modern twist – a style that parallels the history and restoration of the buildings that house Redbird and Vibiana. An extensive cocktail menu by Shea features well-balanced, bespoke renditions of the classics and has garnered him awards such as Time Out’s Best Restaurant Bar Program in 2017 and as a finalist for Tales of the Cocktails Best American Restaurant Bar award several times, and now earning him a semifinalist spot for the James Beard Awards.
Established in 1990, the James Beard Awards® are among the nation’s most prestigious culinary honors. The Awards recognize leaders in the culinary and food media industries, honoring exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.
The 2025 James Beard Awards presented by Capital One are hosted by the James Beard Foundation. The James Beard Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to leading chefs and the broader culinary industry towards a new standard of excellence.
2025 marks an incredible milestone: the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Awards. This year’s ceremony will commemorate the transformative role the Awards have played in recognizing culinary excellence and shaping the evolution of American food culture, while reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to leading and supporting the industry for years to come.
The James Beard Awards weekend will take place in Chicago from June 14 – June 16. Congratulations to Tobin and the Redbird bar team!
