Dining 

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