Dining

Best Burger: Country House
Photo -- Best Burger: Country House
Best Steak
Best: Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook and Rosemont
2nd: Morton’s The Steakhouse in Naperville, Rosemont and Schaumburg 3rd: TIE: Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Oak Brook, and Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Naperville
Other Favorites: Capital Grille in Lombard and Rosemont; Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse in Downers Grove; Chicago Prime in Schaumburg; Ditka’s in Oak Brook; FoxFire Restaurant in Geneva; Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse in Lombard and Rosemont; Jameson’s Charhouse in Bloomingdale and Woodridge; Michael Jordan’s in Oak Brook; Ruth’s Chris Steak House in South Barrington; St. Charles Place in St. Charles; and Steak & Vine, La Grange
Best Seafood
Best: Parker’s Restaurant & Bar in Downers Grove
2nd: Chinn’s 34th Street Fishery in Lisle
3rd: Catch 35 in Naperville
Other Favorites: Devon Seafood + Steak in Oakbrook Terrace; Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House in Naperville; Kona Grill in Oak Brook; Pappadeaux in Westmont; and Seasons 52 in Oak Brook
Best New Restaurant
Best: Pierce Tavern in Downers Grove
2nd: Harry & Eddie’s in Hinsdale
3rd: Cadence Kitchen & Co. in Downers Grove and Moveable Feast in Wheaton
Other Favorites: Balmoral Restaurant in Campton Hills; Black Rock Bar & Grill in Naperville; Brook’s Kitchen & Tap in Oakbrook Terrace; Nobel House in Glen Ellyn; Posto 31 in La Grange Park; Santo Cielo in Naperville; and The Walrus Room in Geneva
Best Romantic Restaurant
Best: Atwater’s at The Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva
2nd: Adelle’s Fine American Fare in Wheaton
3rd: Capital Grille in Lombard and Rosemont
Other Favorites: CityGate Grille in Naperville; Fiora’s in Geneva; Harry & Eddie’s in Hinsdale; Hemmingway’s Bistro in Oak Park; and Ivy in Wheaton
Best Restaurant If money Is No object
Best: Niche in Geneva
2nd: The Capital Grille in Lombard and Rosemont
3rd: Ruth’s Chris Steak House in South Barrington
Other Favorites: Adelle’s Fine American Fare in Wheaton; Atwater’s at The Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva; Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse in Downers Grove; Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook and Rosemont; Mesón Sabika in Naperville; Michael Jordan’s in Oak Brook; Santo Cielo in Naperville; and Vie in Western Springs
Best Outdoor Dining
Best: Meson Sabika in Naperville
2nd: Fiora’s in Geneva
3rd: Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook
Other Favorites: Adelle’s Fine American Restaurant in Wheaton; Arrowhead Golf Club Restaurant & Bar in Wheaton; Fuller House in Hinsdale; Ivy in Wheaton; Maya Del Sol in Oak Park; Palmer Place in La Grange; Redstone American Grill
in Oakbrook Terrace; and Il Sogno in Wheaton
Best Italian Restaurant
Best: Capri in Burr Ridge
2nd: Francesca’s in multiple locations
3rd: Maggiano’s in Naperville, Oak Brook and Schaumburg
Other Favorites: Che Figata in Naperville; Chianti’s in Geneva; Clara’s in Woodridge; Gaetano’s in Batavia and Forest Park; Gia Mia in Geneva and Wheaton; Gatto’s in Downers Grove; Il Poggiolo in Hinsdale; Livia Italian Eatery in Elmhurst and Geneva; Riganato’s Old World Grille in Geneva; Roberto’s in Elmhurst; and Vincitori in Westmont
Best French Restaurant
Best: Mon Ami Gabi in Oak Brook
2nd: Suzette’s Creperie in Wheaton
3rd: La Crepe Bistro in Homer Glen
Best Mexican Restaurant
Best: TIE: Bien Trucha in Geneva; and A Toda Madre in Glen Ellyn
2nd: Altiro Latin Fusion in Geneva, La Grange and West Chicago
3rd: Jalisco Tacos Autentico in Aurora
Other Favorites: Al Chulo in West Chicago; Burrito Parrilla Mexicana in multiple locations; Chuy’s in Warrenville; Invicto in Naperville; En Fuego in Oakbrook Terrace; Maya Del Sol in Oak Park; Mia’s Cantina in Downers Grove; Pepe’s in multiple locations; Salsa Verde in Batavia, Oswego, St. Charles and Yorkville; and Quiubo in Naperville
Best sushi
Best Sushi Restaurant
Best: Nabuki in Hinsdale
2nd: Sushi House in Downers Grove, Naperville, Oak Park, Westmont and Wheaton
3rd: Blue Sushi Sake Grill in Naperville
Other Favorites: Chef Soon Contemporary Sushi in Woodridge; Kona Grill in Oak Brook; Mr. Samurai Steak & Sushi in St. Charles; Momoya in Aurora; SEN Sushi Bar in Oak Park; Sushi City in Downers Grove; Sushi Ukai in La Grange and Wheaton; Swordfish in Batavia; and Tanaka Sushi in Lisle
Best Asian Restaurant
Best: TIE: Gen Hoe in Geneva and Wild Ginger Sushi & Asian Cuisine in Hinsdale
2nd: Wok ‘n Fire in Burr Ridge, South Barrington, St. Charles and Wheaton
3rd: Chamber Red Chinese Bistro in St. Charles
Other Favorites: Aodake Ramen in La Grange; Choun’s in Wheaton;
Hua Ting in Hinsdale;
Kama Bistro in La Grange; Kiku Japanese Steak
House and Sushi Lounge in Naperville; MingHin Cuisine in Naperville and Schaumburg; and Thipi Thai in Clarendon Hills, Glen Ellyn and La Grange
Best Middle Eastern Food
Best: Naf Naf Grill in Aurora, Naperville, Oakbrook Terrace and Rosemont
2nd: Pita Pita Mediterranean Grill in Hoffman Estates, Lombard and Rolling Meadows
3rd: Just Kabobs in St. Charles
Other Favorites: Cedar Grill in Downers Grove; Jerusalem Café in Lombard and Oak Park; Pinched Mediterranean Grill in Lombard; Pita Inn in Naperville; Pita House in Schaumburg; and Reza’s In Oak Brook
Best Irish pub
Best: Ballydoyle Irish Pub in Aurora and Downers Grove
2nd: McNally’s Irish Pub in St. Charles
3rd: TIE: Irish TImes in Brookfield and Quigley’s in Naperville
Other Favorites: James Joyce Irish Pub in Berwyn; The Kerry Piper in Willowbrook; Muldoon’s in Wheaton; O’Hare’s Pub in Bartlett and Shannon’s Irish Pub in Glen Ellyn
Best Wine Bar
Best: D.O.C. Wine Bar in Lombard
2nd: Cooper’s Hawk Winery in Burr Ridge, Naperville, Oak Park, South Barrington and St. Charles
3rd: TIE: Cellar Door in Downers Grove; and The Cube at Standard Market in Naperville and Westmont
Other Favorites: Acquaviva Winery in Maple Park; Cabernet & Company in Glen Ellyn; Galena Cellars in Geneva; Geneva Wine Cellars and Tasting Room in Geneva; Preservation in Geneva; SixtyFour – A Wine Bar in Naperville; and Tannins
in Elmhurst
Best Microbrewery/Brewpub
Best: Penrose Brewing Company in Geneva
2nd: Alter Brewing Company in Downers Grove
3rd: Skeleton Key Brewery in Woodridge
Other Favorites: BuckleDown Brewing in Lyons; Emmett’s Brewing Company in Downers Grove, West Dundee and Wheaton; Miskatonic Brewing in Darien; Noon Whistle Brewing in Lombard; Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewing in Bolingbrook, Lombard and Warrenville; and Solemn Oath Brewery in Naperville
Best Sunday Brunch
Best: Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace
2nd: TIE: Little Traveler in Geneva; and Brunch Cafe in Huntley, Roselle and St. Charles
3rd: Red Oak Room at Cantigny in Wheaton
Other Favorites: The Clubhouse in Oak Brook; The Drake Hotel in Oak Brook; Egg Harbor Café in multiple locations; Harry & Eddie’s in Hinsdale; and Pinstripes
in Oak Brook
Best Place for Breakfast
Best: Buttermilk in Geneva
2nd: TIE: Egg Harbor Café
in multiple locations and Blueberry Hill Breakfast
Café in multiple locations
3rd: The Baked Apple Breakfast Co. in Downers Grove; and Brunch Café in Huntley, Roselle and St. Charles
Other Favorites: Alexander’s Café in Elgin and St. Charles; Apple Villa in Batavia and Hoffman Estates; Blueberry Hill Breakfast Cafe in multiple locations; Butterfield’s in Naperville, Oakbrook Terrace and Wheaton; Citrus Diner in Westmont; Egg’lectic Café in Wheaton; Geneva Diner in Geneva; Glen Oak Café in Glen Ellyn; Harner’s Bakery and Restaurant in North Aurora; Mary’s Morning MixUp in Brookfield, and Nosh in Geneva
Best Barbecue
Best: Q-BBQ in La Grange, Naperville and Oak Park
2nd: Uncle Bub’s BBQ in Westmont
3rd: TIE: The Patio in Aurora, Bolingbrook, Darien and Lombard; and Steamboat BBQ in Wheaton
Other Favorites: Firewater BB-Q in Crest Hill, Geneva and Lombard; Mission BBQ, in Downers Grove; Nobel House in Geneva; Real Urban Barbecue in Oak Brook; and Sharko’s BBQ in Naperville
Best Pizza
Best: Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria in multiple locations
2nd: Aurelio’s Pizza in multiple locations
3rd: TIE: Brick’s Wood Fired Pizza in multiple locations; and Giordano’s Pizzeria in multiple locations
Other Favorites: Angelo’s Pizza in Downers Grove; Barone’s of Glen Ellyn; Charlie Fox’s Pizzeria & Eatery in St. Charles; Doughocracy in Geneva; Home Run Inn, multiple locations; La Barra in Lombard and Riverside; Ledo’s Pizza in Countryside; Lucca’s Pizzeria in La Grange; Nick’s Pizza & Pub in Elgin; Pal Joey’s in Batavia and West Chicago; Papa Passero’s in Westmont; Q’s Restaurant & Pizzeria in Hillside; Roberto’s in Elmhurst; and Rosati’s Pizza in multiple locations
Best Burger
Best: Country House in Clarendon Hills, Geneva and Lisle
2nd: Fuller House in Hinsdale
3rd: Palmer Place in La Grange
Other Favorites: Alfie’s Inn in Glen Ellyn; Bristol Tap in Bristol; Burger Antics in Brookfield; The Burger Local in Geneva; Five Guys, multiple locations; Labriola Café & Bakery, Oak Brook; Main Street Pub in Glen Ellyn; Standard Market Grill in Naperville and Westmont; and Stockholm’s in Geneva
Best Hot Dog
Best: Portillo’s in multiple locations
2nd: TIE: Cozzi Corner in Downers Grove; and Teddy’s Red Hots in Darien and Downers Grove
3rd: Doggie Diner in Bolingbrook, Plainfield and Woodridge
Other Favorites: Dips & Dogs in Hinsdale; Doctor Dogs in Roselle; Gene & Jude’s
in River Grove; Heavenly Hot Dogs in Glen Ellyn; The Hot Dog and Burger Company in La Grange; Legit Dogs & Ice in Elgin; Little Joe’s Italian Beef & Sausage in La Grange; Margie’s Beef & Gyros in Westmont; and Southtown Hot Dogs in Elmhurst
Best Place for Vegetarian and/or Healthy Fare
Best: Naf Naf Grill in Aurora, Naperville, Oakbrook Terrace and Rosemont
2nd: Prasino in La Grange
3rd: Craft Urban in Geneva
Other Favorites: B.Good in Naperville and Schaumburg; Blackberry Market in Glen Ellyn; Green Healthy Cafe in Lisle; Moveable Feast in Geneva and Wheaton; and Munch in Oak Park
Best Ice Cream or Dessert
Best: Oberweis in multiple locations
2nd: Graham’s Fine Chocolate & Ice Cream in Geneva and Wheaton
3rd: TIE: Andy’s Frozen Custard in multiple locations; and Kimmer’s Ice Cream in Elmhurst, St. Charles and Wheaton
Other Favorites: Batavia Creamery in Batavia; The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor in Forest Park; Colonial Cafe in multiple locations; and Every Day’s a Sundae in Downers Grove; Tasty Treat in Westmont; and Tate’s Original Old Fashioned
Ice Cream Shop in La Grange
Best Donuts
Best: Stan’s Donuts in Oak Brook and Schaumburg
2nd: Harner’s Bakery in Aurora and North Aurora
3rd: Ingram’s Busy Bee Bakery in Downers Grove
Other Favorites: Country Donuts in Elgin; Dunkin’ Donuts in multiple locations; Firecakes Donuts in Oak Park; Kirschbaum’s Bakery
in Western Springs; and Krispy Kreme in Elk Grove Village and Hillside
Best Deli/Sandwich Shop
Best: Schmaltz Deli in Naperville
2nd: TIE: Deane’s Market & Deli in Geneva; and Frankie’s Deli in Lombard
3rd: TIE: Berto’s Deli & Pasta Shoppe in Downers Grove; and Shane’s Deli in Wheaton
Other Favorites: Angelo’s Foods in Downers Grove; Augustino’s Rock and Roll Deli in Carol Stream and West Chicago; Deli at 601 in Westmont; Fontano’s Subs in Hinsdale; Fulla Bologna in Elmhurst; Signature Euro Deli in Bloomingdale; and Smitty’s on the Corner in St. Charles
Best coffeehouse
Best: Café La Fortuna in Hinsdale and Willowbrook
2nd: Graham’s 318 Coffee House in Geneva
3rd: TIE: Arcedium Coffeehouse in St. Charles; and Brewpoint Coffee in Elmhurst
Other Favorites: Brewed Awakening in Westmont; Five & Hoek Coffee Co. in Wheaton; Limestone Coffee & Tea in Batavia; and Owl & Lark Juice & Coffee Bar in La Grange
Best Tea Room/Tea House
Best: Suzette’s Creperie in Wheaton
2nd: Pinecone Cottage in Downers Grove
3rd: TIE: The Little Traveler in Geneva; Culinary Teas in Downers Grove
Other Favorites: Café K’Tizo in Wheaton; Emerson Creek Pottery & Tearoom in Oswego; Tea Canal in Lombard; and The Tea Tree in Batavia
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant
Best: Colonial Cafe in Aurora, Naperville and St. Charles
2nd: All Aboard Diner in Downers Grove
Other Favorites: Chuck E. Cheese’s in multiple locations; Pinstripes in Oak Brook; and 2Toots Train Whistle Grill in Bartlett, Glen Ellyn and Naperville
Best Fish Fry
Best: Wheatstack in Lisle
2nd: Bulldog Ale House in multiple locations
3rd: Village Tavern & Grill in Carol Stream
Other Favorites: Alfie’s Inn in Glen Ellyn; Ashbury’s at Boughton Ridge in Bolingbrook; Evergreen Pub & Grill in St. Charles; Jambalaya in St. Charles; The Little Owl in Geneva; and Mack’s Golden Pheasant in Elmhurst
Best Neighborhood Bar or Pub
Best: Stockholm’s in Geneva
2nd: Fuller House in Hinsdale
Other Favorites: Hiillgrove Tap in Western Springs; and 3 Corners Grill & Tap in Downers Grove
Best Margaritas
Best: A Toda Madre in Glen Ellyn
2nd: Pepe’s in multiple locations
3rd: Bien Trucha in Geneva
Other Favorites: Las Palmas in Naperville and Westmont; and Mia’s Cantina in Downers Grove
Activities & Entertainment

Best Festival or Fair: Lisle Eyes to the Skies
Favorite TV Show
Best: This Is Us
2nd: Blue Bloods
3rd: The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel
Other Favorites: Criminal Minds; House Hunters; A Million Little Things; NCIS; and The Orville
Best Festival or Fair
Best: Eyes to the Skies in Lisle
2nd: Ribfest in Naperville
3rd: Rotary Grove Fest in Downers Grove
Other Favorites: Blues on the Fox in Aurora; Endless SummerFest in La Grange; Festival of the Vine in Geneva; Lilac Time Festival in Lombard; Scarecrow Fest in St. Charles; Swedish Days in Geneva; Taste of Westmont; and Taste of Wheaton
Best Place for Live Music
Best: Arcada Theatre in St. Charles
2nd: RiverEdge Park in Aurora 3rd: TIE: McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn; and FitzGerald’s in Berwyn
Other Favorites: Arts & Minds at Dominican University in River Forest; EvenFlow in Geneva; North Central College in Naperville; Paramount Theatre in Aurora; and Wire in Berwyn
Best Farmer’s Market
Best: Wheaton French Market
2nd: Downers Grove Farmers Market
3rd: Geneva French Market
Other Favorites: Batavia, Hinsdale, La Grange, Naperville and Oak Park
Best Area Museum
Best: Cantigny Park in Wheaton
2nd: DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville
3rd: Naper Settlement in Naperville
Best Movie Theater
Best: Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove
2nd: Charlestowne 18 Theatre in St. Charles
3rd: York Theatre in Elmhurst
Other Favorites: AMC Yorktown in Lombard; Cascade Drive-In in West Chicago; Cinemark at Seven Bridges in Woodridge; Glen Art Theatre in Glen Ellyn; Hollywood Palms in Naperville; Marcus Theatres in Addison; Regal Cantera Stadium 17 in Warrenville; and Studio Movie Grill in Wheaton
Best Movie in Past Year
Best: A Star is Born
2nd: Bohemian Rhapsody
3rd: The Greatest Showman
Other Favorites: Avengers: Infinity War; Ben Is Back; and Vice
Best Book You’ve Read Lately
Best: Becoming by Michelle Obama
2nd: Blood Communion by Anne Rice
Best Craft or Art Show
Best: Geneva Arts Fair
2nd: Hinsdale Fine Arts Festival
3rd: Riverwalk Fine Art Fair in Naperville
Other Favorites: Art in Wilder Park in Elmhurst; Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts; Shower of Crafts and Last Chance Craft Shows at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn; Swedish Days Art Fair in Geneva; and West End Arts Festival in La Grange
Best Weekend Getaway
Best: Lake Geneva, WI
2nd: Galena
3rd: Kohler, WI
Other Favorites: Door County, WI; Milwaukee, WI; Ann Arbor, MI and southwest Michigan

Best Weekend Getaway: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Best Historic Landmark/Attraction
Best: Naper Settlement
2nd: Cantigny in Wheaton
3rd: Graue Mill and Museum in Oak Brook; and Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio in Oak Park
Other Favorites: Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon in Naperville; Fabyan Villa and Windmill in Geneva; Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook; Stacy’s Tavern Museum in Glen Ellyn; and Unity Temple in Oak Park
Best Park/Forest Preserve
Best: Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Lemont
2nd: Morton Arboretum in Lisle
3rd: Cantigny Park in Wheaton
Other Favorites: Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville; Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook; Lake Ellyn Park in Glen Ellyn; Island Park in Geneva; Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles; and Red Oak Nature Center in Batavia
Best Live Theatre
Best: Paramount Theatre in Aurora
2nd: Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace
3rd: McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn
Other Favorites: 16th Street Theater in Berwyn; Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles; Theatre of Western Springs; and Wheaton Drama
Best Place for Live Comedy
Best: Zanies Comedy Club in Rosemont and St. Charles
2nd: Chicago Improv Comedy Club in Schaumburg
Other Favorites: The Comedy Shrine in Aurora; Laugh out Loud Theater in Schaumburg; and Westside Improv in Wheaton
Shopping

Best Shopping Center or Mall: Oakbrook Center
Best Downtown for Shopping
Best: Naperville
2nd: Geneva
3rd: Glen Ellyn
Other Favorites: Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, La Grange, Oak Park and Wheaton
Most Unique Gift Shop
Best: The Little Traveler in Geneva
2nd: Cocoon in Geneva
3rd: TIE: The Gnome Colony in Glen Ellyn and Potted Petals in Lombard
Other Favorites: Curious Fox Gift Shop in St. Charles; Evelyn Jane Boutique in Downers Grove; Laura Atwood Studio in Brookfield; Uptown Shop in Elmhurst; Veni Vidi Val in La Grange; and Wyckwood House in Aurora
Best Mall/Shopping Center
Best: Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook
2nd: Geneva Commons
3rd: Yorktown Shopping Center in Lombard
Other Favorites: Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora; Fox Valley Mall in Aurora; Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg; and The Promenade Bolingbrook
Best Bargain Shopping/Outlet Store
Best: Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora
2nd: T.J. Maxx in multiple locations
3rd: Goodwill in multiple locations
Other Favorites: Dollar Tree in multiple locations; Dress Barn in multiple locations; Rejoice Resale in Winfield and Always in Style in Geneva
Best Women’s Clothing Store or Boutique
Best: JAYNE in Forest Park, Glen Ellyn, La Grange and Oak Park
2nd: Christopher & Banks in Lombard, Naperville and South Barrington
3rd: Jeans and a Cute Top Shop in Downers Grove, St. Charles and Wheaton
Other Favorites: Bare Moxie in Geneva; J. Jill in Bolingbrook, Burr Ridge, Naperville, Oak Brook and South Barrington; Nordstrom in Oak Brook and Schaumburg: Van Maur in Lombard and St. Charles; and Express in multiple locations.
Best Jewelry Store
Best: TIE: Linnea Jewelers in La Grange and State Street Jewelers in Geneva
2nd: Stones Jewelry in Wheaton
3rd: TIE: K Hollis Jewelers in Batavia; and Costello Jewelry in Glen Ellyn and Naperville
Other Favorites: Fox Jewelers in Geneva; Larc Jewelers in Glen Ellyn and Wheaton; Marry Me Jewelry in Countryside; Millard Jewelers in Downers Grove; and Paolucci Jewelers in Woodridge
Best Place to Buy Men’s Clothing
Best: Joseph A. Banks Clothiers in multiple locations
2nd: Kohl’s in multiple locations
3rd: H & M in multiple locations
Other Favorites: DXL in Schaumburg; Nordstrom in Oak Brook and Schaumburg; and Versace Outlet in Aurora
Best Place for Shoes
Best: DSW in multiple locations
2nd: Nordstrom in Oak Brook and Schaumburg
3rd: Skechers Factory Outlet in multiple locations
Other Favorites: Clarks in Naperville, Oak Brook and Schaumburg; Ecco in Oak Brook and Schaumburg; Famous Footwear in multiple locations.
Best Place to Buy Children's Clothes
Best: GapKids in Lombard, Naperville, Oak Brook and Oak Park
2nd: Von Maur in Lombard and St. Charles
3rd: M & Em’s Children’s Boutique in Glen Ellyn
Other Favorites: Gymboree in multiple locations; and Kohl’s in multiple locations
Best Kitchen and Housewares Store
Best: Bed Bath & Beyond in multiple locations
2nd: Sur La Table in Naperville, Oak Brook and South Barrington
3rd: Marcel’s Culinary Experience in Glen Ellyn
Other Favorites: At Home in Aurora, Elmhurst, Geneva and Schaumburg; Crate & Barrel in multiple locations; Pottery Barn in Naperville and Oak Brook and T.J. Maxx in multiple locations
Best Place to Buy Antiques
Best: Antiques of Winfield
2nd: Amazing Grace in Elburn
3rd: TIE: Antiques of Naperville and La Grange Park Antique Mall
Other Favorites: Geneva Antique Market in Berry House in Geneva; From Shabby to Fabby in Winfield; and Kane County Flea Market in St. Charles
Best Resale/Consignment Store
Best: Divine Consign in North Riverside
2nd: TIE: Rejoice Resale in Winfield; Treasure House Resale Shop in Glen Ellyn; and Wise Penny in Wheaton
3rd: Anew Consignment in Geneva
Other Favorites: Acosta’s Home Consignment in Batavia, Wheaton and South Elgin; Goodwill in multiple locations; Paula’s Couture Consignment in Batavia; and Resale Connection in Lisle
Best Place to Buy Appliances
Best: Abt in Glenview
2nd: TIE: Home Depot in multiple locations; and Sears in multiple locations
3rd: Lowes in multiple locations; and Target in multiple locations
Other Favorites: Grand Appliance & TV in Downers Grove and Naperville
Best Decorative Accessories for the Home
Best: HomeGoods in multiple locations
2nd: Cocoon in Geneva
3rd: TIE: At Home in Aurora, Elmhurst, Geneva and Schaumburg; Bed, Bath and Beyond in multiple locations
Other Favorites: Pier 1 in multiple locations
Best Art Gallery
Best: Water Street Studios in Batavia
2nd: Elmhurst Art Museum
3rd: Brigantine Gallery, formerly of Downers Grove, in process of relocating;and Gallery 28 in Geneva
Other Favorites: ArtQuest in Hinsdale; Cleve Carney Art Gallery in Glen Ellyn; Fine Line Art Center in St. Charles; Proud Fox Gallery in Geneva; Schoenherr Gallery at North Central College in Naperville; and Trickster Art Gallery in Schaumburg
Best Pet Store/Boutique
Best: Wet Nose in Geneva and Oak Brook 2nd: Two Bostons in Burr Ridge, Naperville and Wheaton
3rd: Happy Dog Barkery in Downers Grove
Other Favorites: Classy Canine Creations in Wheaton; Le Doggie Divine Pet Salon in Geneva; and WoofBeach in Batavia, Geneva and South Elgin
Best Grocery, Food Market or Gourmet Shop
Best: Mariano’s in multiple locations
2nd: Trader Joe’s in multiple locations
3rd: TIE: Blue Goose in St. Charles; and Standard Market in Naperville and Westmont
Other Favorites: Casey’s Foods in Naperville; Fresh Thyme Farmers Market in Downers Grove and River Forest; Nature’s Best Foods in Westmont; and Pete’s Fresh Market in Oak Park and Oakbrook Terrace
Best Nursery/Garden Center
Best: TIE: Planter’s Palette in Winfield; and Wasco Nursery & Garden Center in St. Charles
2nd: The Growing Place in Aurora and Naperville 3rd: Wannemaker’s in Downers Grove
Other Favorites: Blumen Gardens in Sycamore; Heinz Brothers Greenhouse in St. Charles; Platt Hill Nursery in Bloomingdale; and Schaefer Greenhouses in Montgomery
Best Area Bakery
Best: Kirschbaum’s Bakery in Western Springs
2nd: TIE: Cocoa Bean Fine Desserts in Geneva; and Ingram’s Busy Bee Bakery
in Downers Grove
3rd: Harner’s Bakery in North Aurora
Other Favorites: Lilac Bakery in Lombard and Sauer’s Bakery in Carol Stream
Best New Store
Best: At Home in Aurora, Elmhurst, Geneva and Schaumburg
2nd: Paula’s Couture Consignment in Batavia Services
Best Hair Salon
Best: Lola by Gina in Geneva
2nd: Amy’s Salon & Spa in Lombard
3rd: TIE: Exposed Salon in Lombard; and Salon 38 in Geneva
Other Favorites: Linea Hair and Day Spa in Glen Ellyn; and Zazu Salon & Day Spa in Hinsdale, Naperville and Wheaton
Best Fitness Center/Health Club
Best: Planet Fitness in multiple locations
2nd: TIE: Elite Fitness & Gym in Western Springs; and The HIT locker in La Grange
Other Favorites: H4 Training in Wheaton; Orangetheory in multiple locations; and XSport Fitness in multiple locations
Best Local Hotel
Best: The Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva
2nd: Hotel Arista in Naperville
3rd: Hotel Baker in St. Charles
Other Favorites: Hilton Oak Brook Resort; Hotel Indigo in Naperville; and Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles
Best Wedding Venue
Best: Cantigny in Wheaton
2nd: Hotel Baker in St. Charles
3rd: Oakbrook Hills Resort
Other Favorites: Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton; Danada House in Wheaton; The Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva; Morton Arboretum in Lisle; and Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles
Best Area Charity
Best: Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva
2nd: Wellness House in Hinsdale
Other Favorites: Loaves & Fishes in Naperville; and Pillars Community Services in Berwyn, La Grange Park and Western Springs
Sports

Best Water Park: Centennial Beach
Best Public Golf Course
Best: Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont
2nd: Cantigny Golf in Wheaton
3rd: TIE: Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton; Pottawatomie Golf Course in St. Charles; and Village Links of Glen Ellyn
Other Favorites: Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville; Pheasant Run Golf Course in St. Charles; Seven Bridges Golf Club in Woodridge; St. Andrews Golf & Country Club in West Chicago; Sugar Creek Golf Course in Villa Park; and Zigfield Troy Golf in Woodridge
Best Area Bowling Alley
Best: St. Charles Bowl
2nd: Fox Bowl in Wheaton
3rd: Tivoli Bowl in Downers Grove
Other Favorites: Brunswick Zone in River Grove, Roselle and Woodridge; and Rolling Lanes in Countryside
Best Area Ice Rink
Best: Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge
2nd: Fox Valley Ice Arena in Batavia
3rd: Darien Sportsplex
Best Area Water Park
Best: Centennial Beach in Naperville
2nd: Raging Waves in Yorkville
Other Favorites: Cypress Cove in Woodridge;Otter Cove Aquatic Park in St. Charles; and Paradise Bay Water Park in Lombard
Best Jogging or Running Path
Best: Prairie Path
2nd: Salt Creek Trail; and Waterfall Glen in Lemont
3rd: Fox River Trail
Other Favorites: Cantigny in Wheaton; Peck Farm Park Trail in Geneva; and Virgil Gilman Nature Trail in Aurora
Favorite Sports Bar or Place to Watch Sports
Best: Buffalo Wild Wings in multiple locations
2nd: TIE: Bulldog Ale House in multiple locations; and Overtime Bacon Bar in Lombard
3rd: Ditka’s in Oakbrook Terrace
Other Favorites: Another Round in Downers Grove; DJ’s Sports Bar & Grill in Westmont; Fuller House in Hinsdale; Old Towne Pub & Eatery in Geneva; and Yard House in Lombard
Favorite Chicago Area Sports Team
Best: Cubs
2nd: Bears
3rd: Blackhawks
Other Favorites: Chicago Wolves, Kane County Cougars and Chicago White Sox
Favorite Chicago Athlete/Personality
Best: Anthony Rizzo,
Chicago Cubs
2nd: Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
3rd: TIE: Eddie Olczyk, former Chicago Blackhawk and current TV color commentator; and Tom Waddle, former Chicago Bear and current ESPN sports radio host
Other Favorites: Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern University football coach; and Former Chicago Bears Coach Mike Ditka
Chicago Area

Best Downtown Festival or Event: Taste of Chicago
Best Area Celebrity
Best: Actor Jim Belushi
2nd: Actress Jenny McCarthy
3rd: Hockey coach Joel Quenneville
Favorite Broadcast News Personality
Best: Rachel Maddow, MSNBC
2nd: Tom Skilling, WGN
3rd: Jim Rose, ABC7
Favorite Radio Personality
Best: Drew Walker, US 99, 99.5-FM
2nd: Scott Mackay, 95.9 The River
Other Favorites: Dick Biondi, 94.7 WLS-FM; and Eric Ferguson, Eric in the Morning, 101.9 The Mix
Best Annual Chicago Event or Festival
Best: Taste of Chicago
2nd: Chicago Blues Festival
3rd: TIE: Christkindlmarket; and Chicago Gospel Music Festival
Other Favorites: Air & Water Show; Chicago Jazz Festival; and Lollapalooza
Best Downtown Theatre
Best: Cadillac Palace Theatre
2nd: TIE: Chicago Theatre; and The Goodman Theatre
3rd: James M. Nederlander Theatre (Oriental Theatre)
Other Favorites: Auditorium Theatre; and Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Best Live Music Downtown
Best: House of Blues
2nd: TIE: Chicago Theatre; and Northerly Island
3rd: TIE: United Center and Millennium Park
Town You’d Want to Live In (Other Than Your Own)
Best: Geneva
2nd: Glen Ellyn
3rd: Wheaton
Other Favorites: Elmhurst; Hinsdale, Naperville; St. Charles; and Western Springs
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