2022 Best of the West

Dining

BEST STEAK

BEST: Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook and Rosemont

2nd: Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Naperville

3rd: Capital Grille in Lombard and Rosemont

Other Favorites: FoxFire Restaurant in Geneva; Jameson’s Charhouse in Bloomingdale and Woodridge; Morton’s The Steakhouse in Naperville, Rosemont and Schaumburg; Ruth’s Chris Steak House in South Barrington; St. Charles Place in St. Charles; Steak + Prime in La Grange; The Turf Room in North Aurora; Vistro Prime in Hinsdale; and Wildfire in Oak Brook and Schaumburg

BEST SEAFOOD

BEST: Catch 35 in Naperville

2nd: Parker’s Restaurant & Bar in Downers Grove

3rd: Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House in Naperville

Other Favorites: Devon Seafood + Steak in Oakbrook Terrace; E & S Fish Co. in St. Charles; The Elm in La Grange; McCormick & Schmick’s in Oak Brook; Pappadeaux in Westmont; Patten House in Geneva; Seasons 52 in Oak Brook; Shaw’s Crab House in Schaumburg; and The Walrus Room in Geneva

BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT

BEST: Meson Sabika in Naperville

2nd: Atwater’s at the Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva

3rd: TIE: Niche in Geneva; and Vie in Western Springs

Other Favorites: Adelle’s Fine American Fare in Wheaton; Allegory in Naperville; Eden in St. Charles; Fiora’s in Geneva; Hemmingway’s Bistro in Oak Park; Ivy Restaurant in Wheaton; Melting Pot in Downers Grove, Naperville and Schaumburg; Santo Cielo in Naperville; and Villa Verone in Geneva

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

BEST: Graceful Ordinary in St. Charles

2nd: Vasili’s in Naperville

3rd: TIE: Ditka’s Grill in Wheaton; and Moto Imoto in St. Charles

Other Favorites: Bar Chido in Downers Grove; Blanco Cocina + Cantina in Oak Brook; Dak Dak Korean Wings in Villa Park; Driftwood Grille in Oakbrook Terrace; GP Italiano in La Grange; IL MIO in Clarendon Hills; Lock & Mule in Lockport; Lucca’s Osteria & Bar in Oak Brook; and Mata Ne New Asian in Elmhurst

BEST RESTAURANT IF MONEY IS NO OBJECT

BEST: The Capital Grille in Lombard and Rosemont

2nd: Niche in Geneva

3rd: Vie in Western Springs

Other Favorites: Atwater’s at The Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva; Balmoral Restaurant in Campton Hills; Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook and Rosemont; Mesón Sabika in Naperville; Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille in Oak Brook and Schaumburg; Tallgrass in Lockport; and Victory Meat & Seafood in Elmhurst

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

BEST: Mesón Sabika in Naperville

2nd: Gibson’s in Oak Brook

3rd: TIE: Maya Del Sol in Oak Park; and Preservation in Geneva

Other Favorites: Adelle’s Fine American Restaurant in Wheaton; Emilio’s Tapas Hillside; Fiora’s in Geneva; Fuller House in Hinsdale; Hardware in North Aurora; Ivy in Wheaton; Il Sogno in Wheaton; Palmer Place in La Grange; Redstone American Grill in Oakbrook Terrace; Roberto’s in Elmhurst; and

Topaz Cafe in Burr Ridge

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

BEST: Villa Verone in Geneva

2nd: Gia Mia in Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Geneva, St. Charles and Wheaton;

3rd: La Sorella di Francesca in Naperville

Other Favorites: Angeli’s in Naperville; Antico Posto in Oak Brook; Biaggi’s in Naperville; Capri in Burr Ridge; Che Figata in Naperville; Clara’s in Woodridge; Francesca’s by the River in St. Charles; Il Poggiolo in Hinsdale; Livia in Geneva; Lucca’s Osteria & Bar in Oak Brook; Maggiano’s in Naperville, Oak Brook and Schaumburg; Osteria Bigolaro in Geneva; Pazzi di Pizza in Elmhurst; Posto 31 in La Grange Park; Roberto’s in Elmhurst; Tutto Bene in Glen Ellyn; Vai’s in Naperville; and Villagio in Roselle

BEST FRENCH RESTAURANT

BEST: Suzette’s Creperie in Wheaton

2nd: TIE: Hemmingway’s Bistro in Oak Park; Paris Bistro in Naperville

3rd: Little Creperie in Clarendon Hills

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

BEST: Altiro Latin Fusion in Aurora, Geneva, and Wheaton

2nd: Bien Trucha in Geneva

3rd: Yerba Buena in Lisle

Other Favorites: A Toda Madre in Glen Ellyn; Bar Chido in Downers Grove; Burrito Parilla Mexicana, multiple locations; El Zarape in Wheaton; De Campana in Bensenille; Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar in Naperville and Schaumburg; Front Street Cantina in Naperville; Guac N Tacos in Elmhurst and Western Springs; Juquilita Tacos in North Aurora; Los Dos in Downers Grove; Maya Del Sol in Oak Park; Primos Locos in Elmhurst; Quiobo in Naperville; Sergio’s Cantina in Geneva; Santiago’s in La Grange; and Uncle Julio’s in Lombard, Naperville and Schaumburg

BEST SUSHI

BEST: Nabuki in Hinsdale

2nd: TIE: Blue Sushi Sake Grill in Naperville; and Shakou in St. Charles

3rd: Sushi Ukai in Glen Ellyn, La Grange and Wheaton

Other Favorites: Chef Soon Contemporary Sushi in Woodridge; Hokkai Sushi In Glen Ellyn; IKKAI Restaurant in Naperville; Kiku Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Lounge in Naperville; Momoya in Aurora; Moto Imoto in St. Charles; SEN Sushi Bar in Oak Park; Shinto in Naperville; Sushi City in Downers Grove; Sushi Diva in St. Charles; Sushi Nest in Elmhurst; Sushi Time in Elmhurst; Swordfish in Batavia; and TL’s Four Seasons in Bartlett

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT

BEST: Cravings in Geneva

2nd: Wasabi in Clarendon Hills and Downers Grove

3rd: TIE: East China Inn in Aurora, Batavia and North Aurora; and MingHin Cuisine in Naperville and Rolling Meadows

Other Favorites: Chamber Red Chinese Bistro in St. Charles; China Chef in Westmont; Dragon One in Glen Ellyn; Gen Ho in Geneva; Gong Ho in Downers Grove; Luong Loi in Wheaton; Katy’s Dumplings in Oak Park and Westmont; New China Chef in Streamwood; P. F. Chang’s in Lombard and Schaumburg; and Wild Ginger in Hinsdale

BEST THAI RESTAURANT

BEST: Thipi Thai in Glen Ellyn and La Grange

2nd: TIE: Bangkok Village in Naperville; and Vino Thai in St. Charles

3rd: Thai First in Downers Grove

Other Favorites: BNK Thai and Sushi in Elmhurst; Bangkok Restaurant in Geneva; Choun’s in Wheaton; Cida Thai in Countryside; Mai Thai in Westmont; Montri Thai in Warrenville; Thai Cafe in Downers Grove; Thai Village in Batavia; and Tusk Thai Cuisine in Batavia

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

BEST: Kama Bistro in La Grange

2nd: TIE: The Desi Accent in Lombard; and Indian Harvest in Naperville

3rd: Taste of Himalayas in St. Charles

Other Favorites: India Palace in Wheaton; and Shikara in Downers Grove

BEST MEDITERRANEAN FOOD

BEST: Eden in St. Charles

2nd: Naf Naf Grill, multiple locations

3rd: Vasili’s in Naperville

Other Favorites: Ambrosia Greek Eatery in Bartlett; Apolis Greek Street Food in Glen Ellyn and Lisle; Cedar Grill in Downers Grove; Chef Abdul Mediterranean in St. Charles; Damascus Falafel in Willowbrook; Jerusalem Cafe in Lombard and Oak Park; Greek Islands in Lombard; Pita Inn in Naperville; and Pitaville Mediterranean Grill in Naperville

BEST IRISH PUB

BEST: Ballydoyle Irish Pub in Aurora and Downers Grove

2nd: Quigley’s in Naperville

3rd: McNally’s Irish Pub in St. Charles

Other Favorites: Irish TImes in Brookfield; James Joyce Irish Pub in Berwyn; Rafferty’s in Countryside; and Shannon’s Irish Pub in Glen Ellyn

BEST FISH FRY

BEST: Village Tavern & Grill in Carol Stream

2nd: The Walrus Room in Geneva

3rd: TIE: Evergreen Pub & Grill in St. Charles; and Gammon Coach House in Batavia

Other Favorites: Alfie’s Inn in Glen Ellyn; Ashbury’s at Boughton Ridge in Bolingbrook; Bulldog Ale House, multiple locations; Fitz’s Pub in Elmhurst; Rooster’s Bar n Grill in Bloomingdale; Towne Tap in Warrenville; and Wheatstack in Lisle

BEST MICROBREWERY/BREWPUB

BEST: Two Brothers in Aurora, Naperville and Warrenville

2nd: TIE: More Brewing in Villa Park; and Noon Whistle Brewing in Lombard

3rd: Alter Brewing Company in Downers Grove and St. Charles

Other Favorites: Art History Brewing in Geneva; Emmett’s Brewing Company in Downers Grove, Palatine and West Dundee; Goldfinger Brewing in Downers Grove; Ike & Oak Brewing Company in Woodridge; Imperial Oak in Brookfield and Willow Springs; McCarty Mills Taproom in Aurora; Milk Money Brewing in La Grange; Penrose Brewing in Geneva; Pollyanna Brewing in Lemont, Roselle and St. Charles; Riverlands Brewing in St. Charles; Two Hound Red in Glen Ellyn; and Wolfden Brewing Company in Bloomingdale

BEST WINE BAR

BEST: SixtyFour Wine Bar & Kitchen in Naperville

2nd: Tannins Wine Bar & Boutique in Elmhurst

3rd: Cellar Door in Downers Grove

Other Favorites: Cooper’s Hawk Winery in Burr Ridge, Naperville, Oak Park, South Barrington and St. Charles; Geneva Wine Cellars and Tasting Room; Geneva Winery; and Tasting Devine in Naperville and Wheaton

BEST SUNDAY BRUNCH

BEST: Meson Sabika in Naperville

2nd: Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace

3rd: Thirty 0 Three in Lisle Other Favorites: Milkstop Café in La Grange; Red Oak Room at Cantigny in Wheaton; Santo Cielo in Naperville

BEST PLACE FOR BREAKFAST

BEST: Egg Harbor Café, multiple locations

2nd: Nosh in Geneva

3rd: Buttermilk in Geneva and Naperville

Other Favorites: The Baked Apple Breakfast Co. in Downers Grove; Blueberry Hill Breakfast Cafe, multiple locations; Brunch Café, multiple locations; Butterfield’s Pancake House in Oakbrook Terrace; Citrus Diner in Westmont; First Watch in Oak Brook; Geneva Diner; Honey Jam Cafe, multiple locations; The Hen House in Wheaton; Honey Jam Cafe, multiple locations; Mary’s Morning Mix-Up in Brookfield; Page’s in Hinsdale; Prairie Café in Elmhurst; Stray Hen Cafe In Elmhurst; and Syrup in Aurora

BEST DELI/SANDWICH SHOP

BEST: Frankie’s Deli in Oakbrook Terrace

2nd: Schmaltz Deli in Lisle and Wheaton

3rd: Deane’s Market & Deli in Geneva

Other Favorites: Asti Italian Foods in Bensenville; Augustino’s Rock and Roll Deli in Carol Stream and West Chicago; Berto’s Deli & Pasta Shoppe in Downers Grove; Casey’s Market in Western Springs; Fontano’s Subs in Hinsdale; Fulla Bologna in Bloomingdale and Elmhurst; Ellie’s Deli in Naperville; Jason’s Deli in Naperville and Oak Brook; Josef’s Elegante Meats & Deli in Geneva; Mario’s Italian Deli in Addison; McAlister’s Deli, multiple locations; Sammy’s Deli in La Grange; Shane’s Deli in Wheaton; Serino Italian Deli in Addison; and Smitty’s on the Corner in St. Charles

BEST BARBECUE

BEST: Uncle Bub’s BBQ in Westmont

2nd: Steamboat BBQ in Wheaton

3rd: Q-BBQ in La Grange, Naperville and Oak Park

Other Favorites: Firewater BB-Q in Crest Hill, Elmhurst, Geneva and Lombard; Gemato’s Wood Pit BBQ in Naperville; Mission BBQ, in Downers Grove and Naperville; Nobel House in Geneva and Glen Ellyn; Oak & Swine in Batavia; The Patio in Aurora, Bolingbrook, Darien and Lombard; Russell’s in Elmwood Park; and Sharko’s BBQ in Naperville

BEST PIZZA

BEST: Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, multiple locations

2nd: TIE: Aurelio’s Pizza, multiple locations; and Gia Mia in Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Geneva, St. Charles and Wheaton

3rd: Roberto’s in Elmhurst

Other Favorites: Angelo’s Pizza in Downers Grove; Antonino’s in La Grange; Arch-n-Lou’s in Aurora; Billy Brick’s, multiple locations; Charlie Fox’s Pizzeria & Eatery in St. Charles; Dan’s Pizza in Downers Grove; Fiammé Pizzeria Napoletana in Naperville; Gianorio’s in Winfield; Giordano’s, multiple locations; Little Pops in Aurora and Naperville; Papa Passero’s in Westmont; Papa’s Pizza Place in Woodridge; Papa Saverio’s. multiple locations; Riverside Pizza & Pub in Batavia, Oswego, South Elgin and St. Charles; Rocco’s Pizza in Naperville; and Taylor Street Pizza, multiple locations

BEST BURGER

BEST: The Burger Local in Geneva

2nd: Jackson Avenue Pub in Naperville

3rd: Country House in Clarendon Hills and Geneva

Other Favorites: 302 Wheaton in Wheaton; Alfie’s in Glen Ellyn; Burger Antics in Brookfield; The Burger Shop in Geneva & St. Charles; The Burger Social in Wheaton; Empire Burgers + Brew in Naperville; Five Guys, multiple locations; Gammon Coach House in Batavia; Gillerson’s Grubbery in Aurora; Lock & Mule in Lockport; Main Street Pub in Glen Ellyn; Monk’s Burgers & More, La Grange; Pierce Tavern in Downers Grove; Pints in Elmhurst; and York Tavern in Oak Brook

BEST HOT DOG

BEST: Portillo’s, multiple locations

2nd: Gene & Jude’s in River Grove

3rd: TIE: The Hot Dog & Burger Company in La Grange; and Happy Dog in West Chicago

Other Favorites: Boss Dawgz in Lisle; Cozzi Corner in Downers Grove; Doggie Diner in Bolingbrook, Plainfield and Woodridge; Eagle Restaurant in Downers Grove; Flips Beef in Glen Ellyn; Little Joe’s Italian Beef & Sausage in La Grange; Mickey’s Drive-In in Bellwood and Villa Park; Nicky’s Red Hots in Naperville; Southtown Hot Dogs in Elmhurst; and Teddy’s Red Hots in Darien and Downers Grove

BEST ICE CREAM OR DESSERT

BEST: Graham’s Fine Chocolate & Ice Cream in Geneva and Wheaton

2nd: Oberweis, multiple locations;

3rd: TIE: Andy’s Frozen Custard, multiple locations; and Kimmer’s Ice Cream

in Elmhurst and St. Charles

Other Favorites: All Chocolate Kitchen in Geneva; Batavia Creamery in Batavia; The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor in Forest Park; Charlie’s Creamery in Aurora; Colonial Cafe in Naperville and St. Charles; Cool Creations in Lockport; Every Day’s a Sundae in Downers Grove; Kilwins in multiple locations; Rainbow Cone in Darien and Lombard; Sweet Home Gelato in Naperville; Sweet Stop in Geneva; and Tate’s Original Old Fashioned Ice Cream Shop in La Grange

BEST DONUTS

BEST: Stan’s Donuts in Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace and Schaumburg

2nd: Fresh Donuts in Geneva

3rd: TIE: Firecakes in Oak Park and Naperville; and Harner’s Bakery in North Aurora

Other Favorites: Country Donuts in Elgin; Dimples in Batavia; Donut Co in Woodridge; Dunkin’ Donuts, multiple locations; Kirschbaum’s Bakery in Western Springs; Krispy Kreme in Elk Grove Village and Hillside; My Sister’s Lil Donut Shoppe in Oswego; and Spunky Dunkers in Palatine

BEST COFFEEHOUSE

BEST: Cafe & Barr in Geneva

2nd: TIE: Arcedium Coffeehouse in St. Charles; and Sparrow Coffee in Naperville

3rd: 318 Coffee House in Geneva

Other Favorites: Brewpoint in Elmhurst; Five & Hoek Coffee Co. in Wheaton; Funky Java in Villa Park; Kribi Coffee in Forest Park; Limestone Coffee & Tea in Batavia; Loca Mocha Cafe in Brookfield; Mud and Char in Downers Grove; My Half of the Sky in Wheaton; Owl and Lark in La Grange; Pilot Pete’s Coffee & Treats in Elmhurst; Society 57 in Aurora; Steam Coffee Co. in Oak Brook; and Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea in Naperville

BEST TEA ROOM/TEA HOUSE

BEST: Pinecone Cottage Tea House in Downers Grove

2nd: TIE: The Little Traveler in Geneva; and Wonderful Matcha in La Grange

3rd: Calla Lily Victorian Tea Room in Aurora

Other Favorites: Limestone Coffee & Tea in Batavia; Suzette’s Creperie in Wheaton; and The Tea Tree in Batavia

Activities & Entertainment

BEST PLACE FOR LIVE MUSIC

BEST: Arcada Theatre in St. Charles

2nd: RiverEdge Park in Aurora

3rd: FitzGerald’s in Berwyn

Other Favorites: Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant in Aurora and Downers Grove; EvenFlow in Geneva; Frankie’s Blue Room in Naperville; Joe’s Live in Rosemont; McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn; Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College in Naperville; and The Venue in Aurora

BEST LIVE THEATRE

BEST: Paramount Theatre in Aurora

2nd: Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace

3rd: TIE: First Folio Theatre in Oak Brook; and Theatre of Western Springs

Other Favorites: Oak Park Festival Theatre; Overshadowed Theatrical Productions in Medinah; Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles; Summer Place Theatre in Naperville

BEST PLACE FOR LIVE COMEDY

BEST: Zanies Comedy Club in Rosemont

2nd: Comedy Vault in Batavia

3rd: Comedy Shrine in Aurora

Other Favorites: Second City in Chicago; and Westside Improv in Wheaton

BEST FESTIVAL OR FAIR

BEST: Swedish Days in Geneva

2nd: Last Fling in Naperville

3rd: Endless SummerFest in La Grange

Other Favorites: Festival of the Vine in Geneva; Jazz Up Glen Ellyn; Ribfest in Wheaton; Rock the Block in Elmhurst; Rotary Grove Fest in Downers Grove; Scarecrow Fest in St. Charles; and Taste of Westmont

BEST CRAFT OR ART SHOW

BEST: Riverwalk Fine Art Fair in Naperville

2nd: Geneva Arts Fair

3rd: TIE: Art in Wilder Park in Elmhurst; and the La Grange Craft Fair

Other Favorites: Downtown Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival; Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts; Hinsdale Fine Arts Festival; Naperville Art & Artisan Fair; Oak Brook Art Festival; and West End Arts Festival in La Grange

BEST HISTORIC LANDMARK/ATTRACTION

BEST: Naper Settlement in Naperville

2nd: Cantigny in Wheaton

3rd: Graue Mill and Museum in Oak Brook

Other Favorites: Fabyan Villa and Windmill in Geneva; Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago; Stacy’s Tavern Museum in Glen Ellyn

BEST MOVIE THEATER

BEST: Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove,

2nd: York Theatre in Elmhurst

3rd: La Grange Theatre in La Grange

Other Favorites: Charlestowne 18 Theatre in St. Charles; Cinemark at Seven Bridges in Woodridge; Cinemark Tinseltown in Aurora; Glen Art Theatre in Glen Ellyn; Hollywood Palms in Naperville; La Grange Theatre; and Marcus Addison Cinema

BEST MOVIE IN PAST YEAR

BEST: CODA

2nd: West Side Story

3rd: TIE: Belfast; and Spiderman: No Way Home Other Favorites: The Batman; Death on the Nile; Don’t Look Up; Dune; Ghostbusters: Afterlife; Licorice Pizza; and No Time to Die

FAVORITE TV SHOW

BEST: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

2nd: This is Us

3rd: Call the Midwife

Other Favorites: Blue Bloods; NCIS;, Only Murders in the Building; Ted Lasso; and Young Sheldon

BEST AREA MUSEUM

BEST: DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville

2nd: Cantigny in Wheaton

3rd: Naper Settlement in Naperville

Other Favorites: DuPage County Historical Museum in Wheaton; Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio in Oak Park; and Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Oak Brook

BEST ART GALLERY

BEST: Elmhurst Art Museum

2nd: Cleve Carney Museum of Art at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn

3rd: Water Street Studios in Batavia

Other Favorites: Fine Line Art Center in St. Charles; Gallery 7 in Lockport; and Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery;

BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY

BEST: Galena

2nd: Lake Geneva

3rd: Saugatuk

Other Favorites: Door County; Downtown Chicago; South Haven, MI; Southwest Michigan; Starved Rock; and Traverse City, MI

BEST PARK/FOREST PRESERVE

BEST: Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook

2nd: Morton Arboretum in Lisle

3rd: TIE: Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville; and Fabyan Forest Preserve in Geneva

Other Favorites: Bemis Woods in Western Springs; Cantigny Park in Wheaton; Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton; Herrick Lake in Wheaton; Island Park in Geneva; Lake Ellyn Park in Glen Ellyn; Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles; Riverwalk Park in Naperville; St. James Farm in Warrrenville; and Waterfall Glen in Lemont

BEST FARMER’S MARKET

BEST: Wheaton French Market

2nd: Downers Grove Farmers Market

3rd: Geneva French Market,

Other Favorites: Aurora, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Glen Ellyn, La Grange, Naperville Farmers Market at 5th Avenue Station, and Oak Park

Shopping

BEST DOWNTOWN FOR SHOPPING

BEST: Naperville

2nd: Geneva

3rd: La Grange

Other Favorites: Downers Grove; Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, and Wheaton

BEST MALL/SHOPPING CENTER

BEST: Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook 2nd: Yorktown Shopping Center in Lombard

3rd: Geneva Commons

Other Favorites: Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora; and The Promenade Bolingbrook

BEST BARGAIN SHOPPING/OUTLET STORE

BEST: T.J. Maxx, multiple locations

2nd: Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora

3rd: Nordstrom Rack in Naperville, Oak Brook, Rosemont and Schaumburg

Other Favorites: Always in Style in Geneva; Crate & Barrel Outlet in Naperville; Homegoods, multiple locations; Last Chance in Lombard; Marshall’s, multiple locations; and Sierra Trading in Batavia, Schaumburg and Wheaton

BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE OR BOUTIQUE

BEST: Von Maur in Lombard and St. Charles

2nd: Wyckwood House in Aurora and Wheaton

3rd: TIE: Enzee in Elmhurst; and JAYNE in Glen Ellyn, La Grange and Oak Park

Other Favorites: Blonde Boutique in Glen Ellyn; Chico’s, multiple locations; Edie Boutique in Elmhurst and Geneva; Flair on 3rd in Geneva; J. Jill in Burr Ridge, Naperville, Oak Brook and South Barrington; Jeans and a Cute Top Shop in St. Charles and Wheaton; Kie & Kate Couture in Elmhurst; Nordstrom in Oak Brook and Schaumburg; Six Cypress in Batavia; Style Studio in Downers Grove; and Vintage Charm in Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale and La Grange

BEST JEWELRY STORE

BEST: Linnea Jewelers in La Grange

2nd: State Street Jewelers in Geneva

3rd: Costello Jewelry in Glen Ellyn and Naperville

Other Favorites: A. Marek Fine Jewelry in Oak Brook; Bella Cosa Jewelers in Willowbrook; Cottage HIll Diamonds in Elmhurst; Dariusz Jewelers in Downers Grove; Fey & Co. in Naperville; Fox Jewelers in Geneva; James & Sons Fine Jewelers in Naperville; James & Williams Jewelers in Berwyn; Larc Jewelers in Glen Ellyn and Wheaton; Naperville Jewelers; Razny Jewelers in Addison and Hinsdale; and Stones Jewelry in Wheaton

BEST PLACE TO BUY MENS CLOTHING

BEST: Deans in Naperville

2nd: Kohl’s, multiple locations

3rd: TIE: Trails & Tides in Naperville; and Von Maur in Lombard and St. Charles

Other Favorites: Burdi in Hinsdale; DXL in Naperville, Oakbrook Terrace, Schaumburg and St. Charles; Joseph A. Banks Clothiers, multiple locations; and Nordstrom in Oak Brook and Schaumburg

BEST PLACE TO BUY CHILDRENS CLOTHES

BEST: Kohl’s, multiple locations

2nd: M and Em’s in Glen Ellyn

3rd: Target, multiple locations

Other Favorites: Always Growing in Geneva; Carter’s, multiple locations; Charlie & Grace in Downers Grove; My Sister Kate in Hinsdale; Target, multiple locations; Tinker in Naperville; and Von Maur in Lombard and St. Charles

BEST PLACE FOR SHOES

BEST: DSW, multiple locations

2nd: Nordstrom in Oak Brook and Schaumburg

3rd: Von Maur in Lombard and St. Charles

Other Favorites: Miroballi Shoes in Wheaton; Nordstrom Rack in Lombard, Naperville, Oak Brook, Rosemont and Schaumburg; and Skechers Outlet, multiple locations

BEST KITCHEN AND HOUSEWARES STORE

BEST: Sur La Table in Naperville

2nd: Marcel’s Culinary Experience in Glen Ellyn

3rd: TIE: Crate & Barrel in Geneva, Naperville, Oak Brook and Schaumburg; and Williams Sonoma in Geneva and Oak Brook

Other Favorites: Bed Bath & Beyond, multiple locations; Home Goods, multiple locations; and The Royal Wren in Geneva

BEST PLACE TO BUY ANTIQUES

BEST: Jackson Square Antique Mall in La Grange

2nd: Trend + Relic in St. Charles

3rd: TIE: Antiques of Winfield and Warehouse 55 in Aurora

Other Favorites: Affordable Antiques in Naperville; Amazing Grace in Elburn; Antiques of Naperville; Geneva Antique Market in Berry House in Geneva; and the Kane County Flea Market in St. Charles

BEST RESALE/CONSIGNMENT STORE

BEST: Kelsey Resale Boutique in Hinsdale and La Grange

2nd: Always In Style in Geneva

3rd: Acosta’s Home Consignment in South Elgin and Wheaton

Other Favorites: The Courtyard in Hinsdale; Divine Consign in North Riverside; The Hope Chest in La Grange; Jane Pabon Boutique in Geneva; The Perfect Thing in Wheaton; Serendipity Resale Shop in Aurora; Stars Resale Shop in Wheaton; and Treasure House in Glen Ellyn

BEST PLACE TO BUY APPLIANCES

BEST: Abt in Glenview

2nd: Best Buy, multiple locations

3rd: Leonardi Appliance in Aurora

Others: Grand Appliance in Downers Grove, Forest Park and Naperville; Home Depot, multiple locations; and Young’s Appliances in Glen Ellyn

BEST DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES FOR THE HOME

BEST: HomeGoods, multiple locations

2nd: TIE: Cocoon in Geneva; and Trend + Relic in St. Charles

3rd: TIE: Little Red Barn Door in Geneva; and Whisper Me Home in La Grange

Other Favorites: Anastazia Treasures for the Home in Geneva; Little Luxuries in Naperville; Little Traveler in Geneva; Nona Jo’s in Naperville; and Restoration Hardware in Oak Brook and Schaumburg

BEST PET STORE/BOUTIQUE

BEST: Happy Dog Barkery in Downers Grove

2nd: TIE: Two Bostons in Burr Ridge, Geneva and Naperville; and Wet Nose in Geneva and Oak Brook

3rd: Pug & Hound Pet Apothecary in Geneva

Other Favorites: Kriser’s Natural Pet in Glen Ellyn, Naperville and South Barrington; Pet Smart, multiple locations; Ruff Life in Elmhurst and Lombard; and The Urban Mutt in Brookfield and La Grange

BEST AREA BAKERY

BEST: Kirschbaum’s Bakery in Western Springs

2nd: DeEtta’s Bakery in Naperville

3rd: Harner’s Bakery in North Aurora

Other Favorites: Cocoa Bean Fine Desserts in Geneva; Fiene’s Bakery in Naperville; Kean’s Bakery in Itasca; Kirsten’s Danish Bakery in Burr Ridge; Kuppie’s Bakery in Villa Park; Lilac Bakery in Lombard; Sauer’s Bakery in Carol Stream; Spilt Milk in Oak Park

BEST GROCERY, FOOD MARKET OR GOURMET SHOP

BEST: Trader Joe’s, multiple locations

2nd: Casey’s Foods in Naperville

3rd: Mariano’s, multiple locations

Other Favorites: Blue Goose Market in St. Charles; Brookhaven Marketplace in Burr Ridge and Darien; Caputo’s Fresh Markets, multiple locations; Fresh Thyme Market, multiple locations; Jewel, multiple locations; Kramer Foods in Hinsdale; Pete’s Fresh Market, multiple locations; Prisco’s Family Market in Aurora; Standard Market in Westmont; Whole Foods, multiple locations; and Woodman’s Markets in Bloomingdale and North Aurora

BEST NURSERY/ GARDEN CENTER

BEST: The Growing Place in Aurora and Naperville

2nd: Wannemaker’s in Downers Grove

3rd: Platt Hill Nursery in Bloomingdale

Other Favorites: Hacker’s Glenbard Gardens in Lombard; Heinz Brothers Greenhouse in St. Charles; Hinsdale Nurseries in Plano and Willowbrook; Luurs Garden Center in Hillside; Prosek’s Greenhouse in Winfield; Schaefer Greenhouses in Montgomery; Vern Goers Greenhouse in Hinsdale; and Wasco Nursery & Garden Center in St. Charles

Services

BEST SPA/MASSAGE

BEST: C’zar Salon Spa in Bolingbrook, Naperville and Wheaton

2nd: Kohler Waters Spa in Burr Ridge

3rd: ME SPA in Naperville

Other Favorites: Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, multiple locations; Massage Envy, multiple locations; The Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva; and Mario Tricoci, multiple locations

BEST LOCAL HOTEL

BEST: The Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva

2nd: Hotel Indigo in Naperville

3rd: Hotel Baker in St. Charles

Other Favorites: Chicago Marriott Naperville; Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook; Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort; Hotel Arista in Naperville; and the Westin Lombard

BEST WEDDING VENUE

BEST: The Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva

2nd: Hotel Baker in St. Charles

3rd: Riverside Receptions in Geneva

Other Favorites: Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton; Cedar Fox Weddings & Events in St. Charles; Company 251 in Aurora; Danada House in Wheaton; Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace; Emerson Creek in Oswego; Elements at Water Street in Naperville; Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook; and Morton Arboretum in Lisle

BEST AREA CHARITY

BEST: Loaves & Fishes in Naperville

2nd: People’s Resource Center in Wheaton and Westmont

3rd: Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva

Other Favorites: Bridge Communities in Glen Ellyn; DuPage Foundation in Downers Grove; DuPage PADS in Wheaton; Feed My Starving Children in Aurora and Schaumburg; Metropolitan Family Services in Wheaton; SCARCE in Addison; Wellness House in Hinsdale; and West Suburban Community Pantry in Woodridge

BEST CAR WASH

BEST: Fuller’s Car Wash, multiple locations

2nd: Platinum Car Wash in Wheaton

3rd: Delta Sonic, multiple locations

Other Favorites: Jet Brite, multiple locations; Untouchable Auto Wash in Elmhurst; Vic’s Express Car Wash in Bolingbrook

Sports

BEST FITNESS CENTER/HEALTH CLUB

BEST: Lifetime Fitness, multiple locations

2nd: Orangetheory Fitness multiple locations

3rd: LA Fitness, multiple locations

Other Favorites: Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center in Downers Grove; Planet Fitness, multiple locations; Wheaton Sport Center; and XSport Fitness in multiple locations

BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE

BEST: Cantigny Golf in Wheaton

2nd: TIE: Arrowhead in Wheaton; and Cog Hill in Lemont

3rd: Downers Grove Golf Club

Other Favorites: Oak Brook Golf Club; Pottawatomie Golf Course in St. Charles; The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison; Village Greens in Woodridge; Seven Bridges Golf Club in Woodridge; St. Andrews Golf & Country Club in West Chicago; and Zigfield Troy Golf in Woodridge

BEST AREA BOWLING ALLEY

BEST: Funway in Batavia

2nd: Bowlero, multiple locations

3rd: TIE: Fox Bowl in Wheaton and Pinstripes in Oak Brook

Other Favorites: Rolling Lanes in Countryside; St. Charles Bowl; Stardust Bowl in Addison; Suburbanite in Westmont; and Tivoli Bowl in Downers Grove

BEST AREA ICE ARENA

BEST: Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge

2nd: Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva

3rd: Darien Sportsplex

Other Favorites: All Season Ice Rinks in Naperville; Rocket Ice Skating Rink; and Willowbrook Ice Arena

BEST AREA WATER PARK

BEST: Centennial Beach in Naperville

2nd: Raging Waves in Yorkville

3rd: Rice Pool & Water Park in Wheaton;

Other Favorites: Cypress Cove in Woodridge; Harold Hall Quarry Beach in Batavia; Otter Cove Aquatic Park in St. Charles; Paradise Bay Water Park in Lombard; Pelican Harbor in Bolingbrook; Sea Lion Aquatic Park in Lisle; and Turtle Splash Water Park in West Chicago

FAVORITE SPORTS BAR OR PLACE TO WATCH SPORTS

BEST: Pints in Elmhurst

2nd: Buffalo Wild Wings, multiple locations

3rd: Another Round Bar & Grill in Downers Grove

Other Favorites: Bannerman’s in Bartlett; Bulldog Ale House, multiple locations; Flagship on the Fox in St. Charles; Legends Grill and Bar in Woodridge; Miller’s Ale House in Aurora, Lombard, North Riverside and Schaumburg; Riverside Pizza & Pub in Batavia, Oswego, South Elgin and St. Charles; Village Tavern and Grill in Carol Stream, Schaumburg and South Elgin; and Yard House in Lombard

FAVORITE CHICAGO AREA SPORTS TEAM

BEST: Cubs

2nd: Bears

3rd: White Sox

FAVORITE CHICAGO ATHLETE/PERSONALITY

BEST: Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

2nd: Michael Jordan, former Chicago Bulls player

3rd: Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks

Other Favorites: Jim Thome, former White Sox player; and Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls

Chicago Area

BEST AREA CELEBRITY

BEST: Actor Donnie Wahlberg

Other Favorites: Actor Jim Belushi; actor Sean Hayes; actress Jenny McCarthy; actress Melissa McCarthy; and actor Bob Odenkirk

FAVORITE BROADCAST NEWS PERSONALITY

BEST: Alan Krashesky, ABC7

2nd: Tom Skilling, WGN

3rd: Robin Baumgarten, WGN

Other Favorites: Ana Belaval, WGN; Tracy Butler, ABC7; Paul Conrad, WGN; and Lester Holt, NBC

FAVORITE RADIO PERSONALITY

BEST: John Williams, WGN 720 AM

2nd: Lin Brehmer, WXRT 93.1 FM

3rd: Scott Mackay, 95.9 The River

Other Favorites: David Kaplan, ESPN 1000 AM; Bob Stroud, 97.1 The Drive FM; and Tom Waddle, ESPN 1000 AM

BEST ANNUAL CHICAGO PUBLIC EVENT OR FESTIVAL

BEST: Taste of Chicago

2nd: Lollapalooza

3rd: Air & Water Show

Other Favorites: Chicago Blues Festival; Chicago Jazz Festival; and the Old Town Art Fair

BEST DOWNTOWN MUSEUM/ATTRACTION

BEST: The Art Institute

2nd: Museum of Science & Industry

3rd: Field Museum,

Other Favorites: Millennium Park, Museum of Contemporary Art, Navy Pier and Shedd Aquarium

TOWN YOU’D MOST WANT TO LIVE IN (OTHER THAN YOUR OWN)

BEST: Geneva

2nd: Glen Ellyn

3rd: Hinsdale

Other Favorites: Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Naperville, Oak Park, Western Springs and Wheaton