Dining 

Above: Best Sushi -- Sushi Ukai

Best Steak

Best: Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook and Rosemont 

2nd: Capital Grille in Lombard and Rosemont 

3rd: TIE: Morton’s The Steakhouse in Naperville, Rosemont and Schaumburg; and Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Naperville 

Other Favorites: 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; Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Oak Brook; Ruth’s Chris Steak House in South Barrington; St. Charles Place in St. Charles; and Steak & Vine in La Grange  

Best Seafood

Best: Parker’s Restaurant & Bar in Downers Grove

2nd: Catch 35 in Naperville

3rd: Chinn’s 34th Street Fishery in Lisle 

Other Favorites: Devon Seafood + Steak in Oakbrook Terrace; Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House in Naperville; Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp in Lombard and Westchester; Pappadeaux in Westmont; Seasons 52 in Oak Brook; and The Walrus Room in Geneva

Best New Restaurant

Best: True Food Kitchen in Oak Brook

2nd: TIE: Beatrix in Oak Brook and Shakou in Naperville

3rd: The Table at Crate in Oak Brook

Other Favorites: Burnt Barrel Social in Yorkville; Flagship on the Fox in St. Charles; Phat Phat Chinese Eatery in Schaumburg; and Two Hound Red in Glen Ellyn

Best Romantic Rrestaurant

Best: Adelle’s Fine American Fare in Wheaton 

2nd: Santo Cielo in Naperville

3rd: Niche in Geneva

Other Favorites: Atwater’s at The Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva; CityGate Grille in Naperville; Devon in Oakbrook Terrace; Fiora’s in Geneva; Hemmingway’s Bistro in Oak Park; and Meson Sabika in Naperville

Best Restaurant If Money Is No Object

Best: Niche in Geneva

2nd: Balmoral Restaurant in Campton Hills

3rd: Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook and Rosemont 

Other Favorites: Adelle’s Fine American Fare in Wheaton; Atwater’s at The Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva; The Capital Grille in Lombard and Rosemont; Ditka’s in Oak Brook; Mesón Sabika in Naperville; Morton’s The Steakhouse in Naperville, Rosemont and Schaumburg; Parker’s Restaurant and Bar in Downers Grove; and Vie in Western Springs

Best Outdoor Dining

Best: Fiora’s in Geneva

2nd: Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook

3rd: TIE: Mesón Sabika in Naperville and Ivy in Wheaton

Other Favorites: Adelle’s Fine American Restaurant in Wheaton; Arrowhead Golf Club Restaurant & Bar in Wheaton; Fuller House in Hinsdale; Hardware in North Aurora; Maya Del Sol in Oak Park; Palmer Place in La Grange; Patten House in Geneva; Redstone American Grill in Oakbrook Terrace; and Il Sogno in Wheaton

Best Italian Restaurant

Best: Osteria Bigolaro in Geneva

2nd: Francesca’s,  multiple locations 

3rd: Maggiano’s in Naperville, Oak Brook and Schaumburg

Other Favorites: Antico Posto in Oak Brook; Capri in Burr Ridge; Che Figata in Naperville; Chianti’s in Geneva; Clara’s in Woodridge; Gaetano’s in Batavia and Forest Park; Gia Mia in Geneva, St. Charles and Wheaton; Gatto’s in Downers Grove; Il Poggiolo in Hinsdale; Incontro A Tavola in South Barrington; La Za Za Trattoria in St. Charles; Livia Italian Eatery in Elmhurst and Geneva; Posto 31 in La Grange Park; Riganato’s Old World Grille in Geneva; Roberto’s in Elmhurst; Vai’s Italian American Restaurant in Naperville; and Villa Verone in Geneva

Best French Restaurant

Best: Mon Ami Gabi in Oak Brook

2nd: Suzette’s Creperie in Wheaton

3rd: Paris Bistro in Naperville

Best Mexican Restaurant

Best: Bien Trucha in Geneva 

2nd: A Toda Madre in Glen Ellyn

3rd: Quiubo in Naperville

Other Favorites: Altiro Latin Fusion in Geneva, La Grange and West Chicago; Burrito Parilla Mexicana, multiple locations; Chuy’s in Warrenville; Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar in Naperville and Schaumburg; Front Street Cantina in Naperville and Plainfield; Invicto in Naperville; Jalapeno Grill in St. Charles; Jalisco Tacos in Aurora; Maya Del Sol in Oak Park; Mia’s Cantina in Downers Grove; Pepe’s,  multiple locations; Puebla Modern Mexican in St. Charles; and Yerbabuena in Lisle

Best Sushi

Best: Sushi Ukai in Glen Ellyn, La Grange and Wheaton 

2nd: Shinto in Naperville 

3rd: TIE: Blue Sushi Sake Grill 

in Naperville and Mr. Samurai 

Steak & Sushi in St. Charles

Other Favorites: Chef Soon Contemporary Sushi in Woodridge; Momoya in Aurora; Nabuki in Hinsdale; SEN Sushi Bar in Oak Park; Sushi City in Downers Grove; Sushi House in Downers Grove, Naperville, Oak Park, Westmont and Wheaton; Sushi Nest in Elmhurst; Swordfish in Batavia; 

and Tanaka Sushi in Lisle

Best Chinese Restaurant

Best: MingHin Cuisine in Naperville and Rolling Meadows

2nd: Chinese Kitchen in Naperville 

3rd: TIE: Gong Ho in Downers Grove and China Chef in Westmont

Other Favorites: Chamber Red Chinese Bistro in St. Charles; East China Inn in Aurora, Batavia and North Aurora; Gen Hoe in Geneva; Golden Wok in La Grange Park; House of Emperor in Naperville; P. F. Chang’s in Lombard and Schaumburg; and Szechwan in St. Charles

Best Thai Restaurant

Best: Vino Thai in St. Charles 

2nd: Thipi Thai in Glen Ellyn and La Grange

3rd: Bangkok Village in Naperville

Other Favorites: Bambu Thai in Elmhurst; Bangkok Restaurant in Geneva; Cida Thai in Countryside; Thai Village in Batavia; Tusk Thai Cuisine in Batavia; VIP Thai in Woodridge; and Yum Thai in Forest Park

Best Indian Restaurant

Best: Kama Bistro in La Grange

2nd: Taste of Himalayas in St. Charles

3rd: TIE: Indian Harvest in Naperville and Shikara in Downers Grove

Best Middle Eastern Food

Best: Pinched Mediterranean Grill in Lombard

2nd: Just Kabobs in St. Charles 

3rd: Naf Naf Grill in Aurora, Naperville, Oakbrook Terrace, Rosemont and Schaumburg

Other Favorites: Cedar Grill in Downers Grove; Damascus Falafel in Willowbrook; Jerusalem Café in Lombard and Oak Park; Pita Inn in Naperville; and Pita Pita Mediterranean Grill in Hoffman Estates, Lombard and Rolling Meadows 

Best Irish pub

Best: Quigley’s in Naperville

2nd: McNally’s Irish Pub in St. Charles 

3rd: Ballydoyle Irish Pub in Aurora and Downers Grove Other Favorites: Irish TImes in Brookfield; James Joyce Irish Pub in Berwyn; and Shannon’s Irish Pub in Glen Ellyn 

Best Wine Bar

Best: SixtyFour Wine Bar & Kitchen in Naperville 

2nd: Cooper’s Hawk Winery in Burr Ridge, Naperville, Oak Park, South Barrington and St. Charles

3rd: Cellar Door in Downers Grove;

Other Favorites: Cabernet & Company in Glen Ellyn; DOC Wine Bar in Lombard; Galena Cellars in Geneva; Geneva Wine Cellars and Tasting Room in Geneva; Grace Café & Wine Bar in Yorkville; Tannins in Elmhurst; Tasting deVine in Wheaton; and Vintage 53 in St. Charles

Best Microbrewery/Brewpub

Best: Two Brothers in Aurora, Naperville and Warrenville 

2nd: Alter Brewing Company in Downers Grove 

3rd: TIE: Penrose Brewing Company in Geneva and Werk Force Brewing in Plainfield

Other Favorites: BuckleDown Brewing in Lyons; Dry City Brew Works in Wheaton; Emmett’s Brewing Company in Downers Grove, West Dundee and Wheaton; Lodi Tap House in Maple Park; More Brewing in Villa Park; Noon Whistle Brewing in Lombard; Pollyanna Brewing in Lemont, Roselle and St. Charles; Red Arrow Tap Room in Elmhurst and Naperville; Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewing in Bolingbrook, Lombard and Warrenville; Skeleton Key Brewery in Woodridge; and Solemn Oath Brewery in Naperville

Best Sunday Brunch

Best: Thirty O Three in Lisle

2nd: Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace

3rd: Nobel House in Geneva and Glen Ellyn

Other Favorites: Buttermilk in Geneva; The Clubhouse in Oak Brook; The Drake Hotel in Oak Brook; Egg Harbor Café, multiple locations; Mesón Sabika in Naperville; Little Traveler in Geneva; and the Red Oak Room at Cantigny in Wheaton

Best Place for Breakfast

Best: Egg Harbor Café, multiple locations  

2nd: TIE: The Baked Apple Breakfast Co. in Downers Grove; and Buttermilk in Geneva

3rd: Egg’lectic Café in Wheaton

Other Favorites: Alexander’s Café in Elgin and St. Charles; Apple Villa in Batavia and Hoffman Estates; Blueberry Hill Breakfast Cafe, multiple locations; Briana’s in Batavia, Hanover Park and South Elgin; Brunch Café in Huntley, Roselle and St. Charles; Christy’s in Wood Dale; Double Yolk in Aurora; Geneva Diner in Geneva; Glen Oak Café in Glen Ellyn; Harner’s Bakery and Restaurant in North Aurora; Hen House in Wheaton; Honey Jam Cafe in Bolingbrook, Downers Grove, Naperville, Oakbrook Terrace and Wheaton; Juicy-O in Downers Grove, Naperville and Willowbrook; Lumes in Batavia; and Nosh in Geneva

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, Geneva and Lombard; Mission BBQ, in Downers Grove; Nobel House in Geneva; Oak + Swine in Batavia; The Patio in Aurora, Bolingbrook, Darien and Lombard; and Sharko’s BBQ in Naperville

Best Pizza

Best: Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, multiple locations

2nd: Giordano’s Pizzeria,multiple locations 

3rd: Gia Mia in Geneva, St. Charles and Wheaton 

Other Favorites: Aurelio’s Pizza, multiple locations; Brick’s Wood Fired Pizza, multiple locations; Charlie Fox’s Pizzeria & Eatery in St. Charles; Dan’s Pizza in Downers Grove; Fiammé Pizzeria Napoletana in Naperville; Home Run Inn, multiple locations; Pal Joey’s in Batavia and West Chicago; Papa Passero’s in Westmont; Papa’s Pizza Place in Woodridge; Pomodoro E Mozzarella in St. Charles; Roberto’s in Elmhurst; Rocky’s Pizza & Restaurant in Westchester; and Rosati’s Pizza, multiple locations

Above: Best Pizza -- Lou Malnati's

Best Burger

Best: The Burger Local in Geneva

2nd: Country House in Clarendon Hills, Geneva and Lisle

3rd: Pierce Tavern in Downers Grove

Other Favorites: Alfie’s Inn in Glen Ellyn; Bristol Tap in Bristol; Burger Antics in Brookfield; The Burger Social in Wheaton; Crusade Burger Bar in Yorkville; Empire Burgers + Brew; Five Guys, multiple locations; Fuller House in Hinsdale; Jackson Avenue Pub in Naperville; Lakeview Grille in Yorkville; Main Street Pub in Glen Ellyn; Palmer Place in La Grange; Portillo’s, multiple locations; 

Red Robin, multiple locations; and Stockholm’s in Geneva

Best Hot Dog

Best: Portillo’s, multiple locations

2nd: Teddy’s Red Hots in Darien and Downers Grove

3rd: Doggie Diner in Bolingbrook, Plainfield and Woodridge

Other Favorites: Buona, multiple locations; Cozzi Corner in Downers Grove; Dogfather Hot Dogs in Bartlett; Flips Beef in Glen Ellyn; Gene & Jude’s in River Grove; Heavenly Hot Dogs (cart) in Glen Ellyn; The Hot Dog and Burger Company in La Grange; Little Joe’s Italian Beef & Sausage in La Grange; and Southtown Hot Dogs in Elmhurst

Best Place for Vegetarian and/or Healthy Fare

Best: True Food Kitchen in Oak Brook 

2nd: Blackberry Market in Glen Ellyn and La Grange

3rd: TIE: Munch in Oak Park and Kava Diem Organic River Cafe in St. Charles

Other Favorites: B.Good in Naperville and Schaumburg; Fire It Up Taco Fusion Grille in Naperville; Green Healthy Cafe in Lisle; Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill in Aurora, Naperville, Oakbrook Terrace, Rosemont and Schaumburg; and The Walrus Room in Geneva

Best Ice Cream or Dessert

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

2nd: Oberweis in multiple locations

3rd: Kimmer’s Ice Cream in Elmhurst, St. Charles and Wheaton

Other Favorites: Andy’s Frozen Custard, multiple locations; Batavia Creamery in Batavia; The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor in Forest Park; Colonial Cafe in Aurora, Naperville and St. Charles; Every Day’s a Sundae in Downers Grove; The HIghland Queen in La Grange; Skinnysweet Frozen Yogurt in Glen Ellyn and Lombard; Sweet Home Gelato in Naperville; 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: Dunkin’ Donuts, multiple locations

3rd: Fresh Donuts in Geneva

Other Favorites: Country Donuts in Elgin; DeEtta’s Bakery in Naperville; Harner’s Bakery in North Aurora; Krispy Kreme in Elk Grove Village and Hillside; and My Sister’s Lil Donut Shoppe in Oswego

Best Deli/Sandwich Shop

Best: Josef’s Elegante Meats & Deli in Geneva

2nd: Schmaltz Deli in Naperville 

3rd: Frankie’s Deli in Oakbrook Terrace 

Other Favorites: Asti Italian Deli in Bensenville; Augustino’s Rock and Roll Deli in Carol Stream and West Chicago; Berto’s Deli & Pasta Shoppe in Downers Grove; Deane’s Market & Deli in Geneva; Deli at 601 in Westmont; Fontano’s Subs in Hinsdale; Fulla Bologna in Elmhurst; Jason’s Deli in Naperville, Oak Brook and Schaumburg;  McAlister’s Deli in Bloomingdale Elgin, Geneva, and Naperville; Shane’s Deli in Wheaton; and Smitty’s on the Corner in St. Charles

Best Coffee House

Best: Graham’s 318 Coffee House in Geneva

2nd: Sparrow Coffee in Naperville

3rd: Arcedium Coffeehouse in St. Charles 

Other Favorites: Brewpoint in Elmhurst; Five & Hoek Coffee Co. in Wheaton; Funky Java in Villa Park; Kindred Coffee Roasters in West Chicago; Limestone Coffee & Tea in Batavia; Mud and Char Caffeine & Fare in Downers Grove; Shawn’s Coffee Shop and Gourmet Deli in Sycamore; Steam Coffee Co. in Oak Brook; Ten Drops Coffee in Plainfield; and The Village Grind Coffee & Tea Co. in Oswego

Best Tea Room/Tea House

Best: Pinecone Cottage Tea House in Downers Grove

2nd: The Little Traveler in Geneva

3rd: The Tea Tree in Batavia Other Favorites: Café K’Tizo in Wheaton; Culinary Teas in Downers Grove; Emerson Creek Pottery & Tearoom in Oswego; Limestone Coffee & Tea in Batavia; Suzette’s Creperie in Wheaton; Tea Canal in Lombard; and The Tea Tree in Batavia 

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant

Best: 2Toots Train Whistle Grill in Bartlett, Glen Ellyn and Naperville

2nd: Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grille in West Chicago

3rd: All Aboard Diner in Downers Grove 

Other Favorites: Chuck E. Cheese’s, multiple locations; Colonial Cafe in Aurora, Naperville and St. Charles; and Red Robin, multiple locations

Best Cheap Eats

Best: Portillo’s, multiple locations 

2nd: Jalapeno Grill in Naperville and St. Charles

3rd: The Patio in Aurora, Bolingbrook, Darien and Lombard 

Other Favorites: Anyway’s Restaurant & Pub in Bloomingdale and Oakbrook Terrace; Berto’s Deli & Pasta Shoppe in Downers Grove; Everdine’s Grilled Cheese Co. in Naperville; Just Kabobs in St. Charles; and Noodles & Company, multiple locations

Best Fish Fry

Best: Village Tavern & Grill in Carol Stream

2nd: Wheatstack in Lisle

3rd: The Walrus Room in Geneva

Other Favorites: Alfie’s Inn in Glen Ellyn; Ashbury’s at Boughton Ridge in Bolingbrook;  Bulldog Ale House, multiple locations; Catch 35 in Naperville; Evergreen Pub & Grill in St. Charles; and Johnson Family Fish Fry at VFW Post 8081 in Warrenville

Activities & Entertainment

Above: Best Place for Live Theatre -- Paramount Theatre 

Favorite TV Show

Best: This Is Us

2nd: Chicago Med

3rd: TIE: Blue Bloods and Bull

Other Favorites: The Crown; Star Wars: The Mandalorian; The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel; NCIS; and Restaurant Impossible

Best Festival or Fair

Best: Swedish Days 

in Geneva

2nd: Rotary Grove Fest 

in Downers Grove

3rd: Ribfest in Naperville 

Other Favorites: Endless SummerFest in La Grange;  Eyes to the Skies in Lisle; Festival of the Vine in Geneva; Jazz Up Glen Ellyn; Last Fling in Naperville; Prairie Fest in Wood Dale; Scarecrow Fest in St. Charles; Taste of Westmont; Taste of Wheaton; and the Windmill City Festival in Batavia

Best Place for Live Music

Best: Arcada Theatre 

in St. Charles

2nd: FitzGerald’s in Berwyn 

3rd: RiverEdge Park in Aurora

Other Favorites: EvenFlow in Geneva; Frankie’s Blue Room in Naperville; Joe’s Live in Rosemont; McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn; and Paramount Theatre in Aurora 

Best Farmer’s Market

Best: Wheaton French Market

2nd: Geneva French Market

3rd: Downers Grove 

Farmers Market

Other Favorites: Batavia, Hinsdale, La Grange, Naperville 5th Avenue Station, and Oak Park

Best Area Museum

Best: Cantigny Park in Wheaton 

2nd: DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville

3rd: Naper Settlement in Naperville

Other Favorites: Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Oak Brook; and Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago

Above: Best Area Museum -- Cantigny

Best Movie Theater

Best: Tivoli Theatre 

in Downers Grove

2nd: AMC Yorktown in Lombard 

3rd: TIE: Cinemark at Seven Bridges in Woodridge and Ogden 6 in Naperville

Other Favorites: Charlestowne 18 Theatre in St. Charles; Glen Art Theatre in Glen Ellyn; Hollywood Palms in Naperville; Marcus Theatres in Addison; Regal Cantera Stadium 17 in Warrenville; Studio Movie Grill in Wheaton; and the York Theatre in Elmhurst

Best Movie in Past Year

Best: Little Women

2nd: TIE: 1971 and 

Downton Abbey

3rd: Ford & Ferrari

Other Favorites: Green Book; The Irishman; Judy; Rocketman; and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker 

Best Craft or Art Show

Best: Oak Brook Art Festival 

2nd: Geneva Arts Fair 

3rd: Hinsdale Fine Arts Festival 

Other Favorites: Art in Wilder Park in Elmhurst; Downtown Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival; Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts; Naperville Women’s Club Art Fair at Naper Settlement; Riverwalk Fine Art Fair in Naperville; and West End Arts Festival in La Grange

Best Weekend Getaway

Best: Lake Geneva

2nd: Door County

3rd: TIE: Downtown Chicago and Galena

Other Favorites: Saugatuck; Ann Arbor; southwest Michigan; and Starved Rock

Best Historic Landmark/Attraction

Best: Graue Mill and Museum in Oak Brook 

2nd: Cantigny in Wheaton

3rd: Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio in Oak Park

Other Favorites: Fabyan Villa and Windmill in Geneva; Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago; Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon in Naperville; Naper Settlement in Naperville; Naperville Riverwalk; and Stacy’s Tavern Museum in Glen Ellyn

Best Park/Forest Preserve

Best: Morton Arboretumin Lisle

2nd: Fabyan Forest Preserve in Geneva

3rd: Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville

Other Favorites: Cantigny Park in Wheaton; Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook; Herrick Lake in Wheaton; Island Park in Geneva; Lake Ellyn Park in Glen Ellyn; Lilacia Park in Lombard; Maple Grove in Downers Grove; Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles; Red Oak Nature Center in Batavia; and Waterfall Glen in Lemont

Best Live Theatre

Best: Paramount Theatre in Aurora

2nd: Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace

3rd: McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn 

Other Favorites: First Folio Theatre in Oak Brook; Oak Park Festival Theatre; Overshadowed Theatrical Productions in Itasca; Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles; Theatre of Western Springs; Village Theatre Guild in Glen Ellyn; and Wheaton Drama

Best Place for Live Comedy

Best: Zanies Comedy Club in Rosemont 

2nd: Chicago Improv Comedy Club in Schaumburg

Other Favorites: Laugh Out Loud Theater in Schaumburg; and Westside Improv in Wheaton

Shopping

Above: Best Downtown for Shopping -- Naperville

Best Downtown for Shopping

Best: Naperville

2nd: Geneva

3rd: Glen Ellyn

Other Favorites: Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, La Grange and Wheaton

Best Mall/Shopping Center

Best: Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook

2nd: Yorktown Shopping Center in Lombard

3rd: TIE: Geneva Commons and The Promenade Bolingbrook 

Other Favorites: Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora; Fox Valley Mall in Aurora; and Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg 

Best Bargain Shopping/Outlet Store

Best: Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora

2nd: Marshall’s, multiple locations

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

Other Favorites: Big Lots, multiple locations; Costco, multiple locations; Goodwill, multiple location; Last Chance in Lombard; and T.J. Maxx, multiple locations 

Best Women’s Clothing Store or Boutique

Best: Von Maur in Lombard and St. Charles

2nd: Ann Taylor in Aurora, Naperville and Oak Brook

3rd: J. Jill in Burr Ridge, Naperville, Oak Brook and South Barrington Other Favorites: Dean’s in Naperville; JAYNE in Forest Park, Glen Ellyn, La Grange and Oak Park; Jeans and a Cute Top Shop in Hinsdale and St. Charles; Loft in Lombard, Oak Brook and River Forest; Macy’s, multiple locations; and Nordstrom in Oak Brook and Schaumburg   

Best Jewelry Store

Best: State Street Jewelers in Geneva

2nd: Costello Jewelry in Glen Ellyn and Naperville  

3rd: TIE: Stones Jewelry in Wheaton and Bella Cosa Jewelers in Willowbrook

Other Favorites: Fey & Co. in Naperville; Fox Jewelers in Geneva; James & Williams Jewelers in Berwyn; Karat Jewelry Group in Hinsdale; Larc Jewelers in Glen Ellyn and Wheaton; Linnea Jewelers in La Grange; Oak Park Jewelers; Matthew Erickson Jewelers in Aurora; Paolucci Jewelers in Woodridge; and Razny Jewelers in Addison and Hinsdale

Best Place to Buy Men’s Clothing

Best: Macy’s, multiple locations

2nd: Mens Warehouse, multiple locations

3rd: Deans in Naperville

Other Favorites: DXL in Naperville, Oakbrook Terrace, Schaumburg and St. Charles; Louis’ for Men in Downers Grove; Nordstrom in Oak Brook and Schaumburg; Joseph A. Banks Clothiers, multiple locations; Trails & Tides in Naperville; and Von Maur in Lombard and St. Charles

Best Place to Buy Children's Clothes

Best: Carter’s, multiple locations 

2nd: Hanna Andersson in Naperville and Oak Brook

3rd: Old Navy, multiple locations

Other Favorites: GapKids, multiple locations; M & Em’s in Glen Ellyn; My Sister Kate in Hinsdale; and Kohl’s, multiple locations

Best Place for Shoes

Best: DSW, multiple locations

2nd: Nordstrom in Oak Brook and Schaumburg 

3rd: Miroballi Shoes in Wheaton

Other Favorites: Clarks in Naperville, Oak Brook, Rosemont and Schaumburg; Famous Footwear, multiple locations; and Gotskind’s Children’s Shoes & Clothing in Naperville

Best Kitchen & Housewares Store

Best: Sur La Table in Naperville, Oak Brook and South Barrington

2nd: Bed Bath & Beyond, multiple locations 

3rd: TIE: Marcel’s Culinary Experience in Glen Ellyn and Williams Sonoma in Geneva, Joliet, Naperville and Oak Brook

Other Favorites: Crate & Barrel in Geneva, Naperville, Oak Brook and Schaumburg; and Home Goods, multiple locations

Best Place to Buy Antiques

Best: Jackson Square Antique Mall in La Grange

2nd: Affordable Antiques in Naperville 

3rd: Antiques of Winfield 

Other Favorites: A-1 Antiques in Naperville; Amazing Grace in Elburn; Geneva Antique Market in Berry House in Geneva; Kane County Flea Market in St. Charles; and La Grange Park Antique Mall

Best Resale/Consignment Store

Best: Jane Pabon Boutique in Geneva

2nd: Treasure House in Glen Ellyn

3rd: TIE: The Courtyard in Hinsdale; and The Perfect Thing in Wheaton

Other Favorites: Acosta’s Home Consignment in South Elgin and Wheaton; Divine Consign in North Riverside; Goodwill, multiple locations; Kelsey Resale Boutique in Hinsdale and La Grange; and Serendipity Resale Shop in Naperville

Best Place to Buy Appliances

Best: Abt in Glenview 

2nd: Grand Appliance and TV in Downers Grove, Forest Park and Naperville 

3rd: Home Depot, multiple locations

Other Favorites: Best Buy, multiple locations; Sears, multiple locations; and Youngs Appliances in Glen Ellyn

Best Decorative Accessories for the Home

Best: HomeGoods, multiple locations

2nd: Cocoon in Geneva

3rd: Bed, Bath and Beyond, multiple locations Other Favorites: At Home in Aurora, Elmhurst, Geneva and Schaumburg; Little Traveler in Geneva; Nona Jo’s in Naperville; and Pottery Barn in Geneva, Oak Brook, Wheaton and Joliet 

Best Art Gallery

Best: Fine Line Art Center in St. Charles

2nd: Elmhurst Art Museum

3rd: Cleve Carney Art Gallery in Glen Ellyn

Other Favorites: Proud Fox Gallery in Geneva; Schoenherr Gallery at North Central College in Naperville; Trickster Art Gallery in Schaumburg; and Water Street Studios in Batavia

Best Pet Store/Boutique

Best: Two Bostons in Burr Ridge, Geneva and Naperville 

2nd: Bruce & Willy’s in Geneva

3rd: TIE: Happy Dog Barkery in Downers Grove; and Wet Nose in Geneva and Oak Brook

Other Favorites: Pet Supplies Plus, multiple locations; and Petco, multiple locations

Best Area Bakery

Best: Kirschbaum’s Bakery in Western Springs 

2nd: Ingram’s Busy Bee Bakery in Downers Grove

3rd: TIE: Cocoa Bean Fine Desserts in Geneva; and DeEttas Bakery in Naperville

Other Favorites: Chicago Pastry in Bloomingdale; Harner’s Bakery in North Aurora; Lilac Bakery in Lombard; and Sauer’s Bakery in Carol Stream

Best Grocery, Food Market or Gourmet Shop

Best: Pete’s Fresh Market 

in Glen Ellyn, Lemont, Oak Park, Oakbrook Terrace, Wheaton and Willowbrook

2nd: Mariano’s in multiple locations 

3rd: Casey’s Foods in Naperville

Other Favorites: Blue Goose Market in St. Charles; Caputo’s Fresh Markets, multiple locations; Fresh Thyme Farmers Market in Downers Grove and River Forest; Kramer Foods in Hinsdale; Standard Market in Westmont; Trader Joe’s, multiple locations; and Whole Foods, multiple locations

Above: Best Nursery/Garden Center -- The Growing Place

Best Nursery/Garden Center

Best: The Growing Place in Aurora and Naperville 

2nd: Wannemaker’s in Downers Grove

3rd: Blumen Gardens in Sycamore

Other Favorites: Heinz Brothers Greenhouse in St. Charles; Hinsdale Nurseries in Willowbrook; Lizzie’s Garden in Naperville; Platt Hill Nursery in Bloomingdale; Vern Goers Greenhouse in Hinsdale; and Wasco Nursery & Garden Center in St. Charles

Services

Above: Best Local Hotel -- The Harrington Inn & Spa

Best Fitness Center/Health Club

Best: LA Fitness, multiple locations

2nd: TIE: Edward-Elmhurst Health & Fitness in Naperville and Woodridge; and Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center in Downers Grove

3rd: YMCA, multiple locations 

Other Favorites: Orangetheory, multiple locations; Planet Fitness, multiple locations; and XSport Fitness,multiple locations 

Best Spa/Massage

Best: Kohler Waters Spa in Burr Ridge 

2nd: C’Zar Salon Spa in Bolingbrook, Naperville and Wheaton 

3rd: Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, multiple locations

Other Favorites: The Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva; Mario Tricoci, multiple locations; Massage Envy, multiple locations; Skin Deep Day Spa in Campton Hills; and Zazu Salon & Day Spa in Hinsdale, Naperville and Wheaton 

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; Drake Hotel in Oak Brook; Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort; Hotel Arista in Naperville; and the Westin Lombard 

Best Wedding Venue

Best: Danada House in Wheaton

2nd: TIE: Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace and Elements at Water Street in Naperville

3rd: Emerson Creek in Oswego

Other Favorites: Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton; Company 251 in Aurora; Danada House in Wheaton; The Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva; Morton Arboretum in Lisle; and Oakbrook Hills Resort

Best Area Charity

Best: Loaves & Fishes in Naperville 

2nd: The Salvation Army

3rd: Metropolitan Family Services in Wheaton

Other Favorites: Bridge Communities in Glen Ellyn; DuPage PADS in Wheaton; Feed My Starving Children in Aurora and Schaumburg; Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva; Serenity House in Addison and Geneva; and Wellness House in Hinsdale 

Above: Best Area Charity -- Loaves & Fishes

Best Car Wash

Best: Fuller’s Car Wash, multiple locations

2nd: Delta Sonic

3rd: King Car Wash

Other Favorites: Leslie Car Wash, Steve’s Car Wash + Detail Center in Naperville;  Sudsational in Addison Crest Hill and Downers Grove; and Turtle Wax Car Wash in Bloomingdale

Sports

Best PUBLIC GOLF COURSE 

Best: Cantigny Golf in Wheaton

2nd: Village Links of Glen Ellyn 

3rd: Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont

Other Favorites: Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton; Bolingbrook Golf Club; Downers Grove Golf Club; Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville; Fox Run Golf Links in Elk Grove Village; Pottawatomie Golf Course in St. Charles; Seven Bridges Golf Club in Woodridge; Springbrook Golf Course in Naperville; St. Andrews Golf & Country Club in West Chicago; and Zigfield Troy Golf in Woodridge

Best Area Bowling Alley

Best: Bowlero in Glendale Heights, Naperville, Roselle and Woodridge

2nd: Fox Bowl in Wheaton 

3rd: Tivoli Bowl in Downers Grove 

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

Best Area Ice Rink

Best: Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge

2nd: Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva 

3rd: Hoffman Estates Park District Ice Arena

Other Favorites: Elmhurst YMCA (outdoor) and Darien Sportsplex

Best Area Water Park

Best: Raging Waves in Yorkville

2nd: Centennial Beach in Naperville 

Other Favorites: Cypress Cove in Woodridge; Otter Cove Aquatic Park in St. Charles; Paradise Bay Water Park in Lombard; Rice Pool & Water Park in Wheaton; Sea Lion Aquatic Park in Lisle; and Water Works in Schaumburg 

Favorite Sports Bar or Place to Watch Sports

Best: Miller’s Ale House in Aurora, Lombard, North Riverside and Schaumburg

2nd: Flagship on the Fox in St. Charles

3rd: Bannerman’s Sports Bar in Bartlett

Other Favorites: Another Round Bar & Grill in Downers Grove; Anyway’s Pub in Bloomingdale and Oakbrook Terrace; Buffalo Wild Wings, multiple locations; Bulldog Ale House, multiple locations; Fuller House in Hinsdale; and Yard House in Lombard

Favorite Chicago Area Sports Team

Best: Cubs

2nd: Bears

3rd: Blackhawks

Other Favorites: Chicago Fire and the White Sox

Favorite Chicago Athlete/Personality

Best: Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs

2nd: Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

3rd: TIE: Kris Byrant, Chicago Cubs and Mike Ditka, former Chicago Bears coach 

Other Favorites: Javy Baez, Chicago Cubs; Eddie Olczyk, former Chicago Blackhawk and current TV color commentator; David Ross, new Cubs manager; and Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago Area

Above: Best Chicago Public Event or Festival -- Air & Water Show

Best Area Celebrity

Best: Actor Donnie Wahlberg

2nd: Singer Jim Peterik of the Ides of March

3rd: TV newscaster Alan Krashesky 

Other Favorites: Actor Jim Belushi; actor Sean Hayes; Jeopardy star James Holzhauer; comedian Kyle Kinane; actress Jenny McCarthy; and actress Danielle Panabaker

Favorite Broadcast News Personality

Best: Alan Krashesky, ABC7 

2nd: Allison Rosati, NBC5 

3rd: Tom Skilling, WGN

Favorite Radio Personality

Best: Eric Ferguson, Eric in the Morning, 101.9 The Mix

2nd: Scott Mackay, 95.9 The River

3rd: Tom Waddle, ESPN 1000

Other Favorites: Steve Dahl, podcast at dahl.com; and Lin Brehmer, 93 WXRT

Best Annual Chicago Public Event or Festival

Best: Air & Water Show 

2nd: Taste of Chicago

3rd: TIE: Chicago Jazz Festival  and Christkindlmarket

Other Favorites: Chicago Blues Festival; Lollapalooza; and St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Best Downtown Museum/Attraction

Best: The Art Institute

2nd: Field Museum

3rd: Museum of Science & Industry

Other Favorites: Adler Planetarium; The Magnificent Mile; Millennium Park; Navy Pier; and Shedd Aquarium

Town You’d Want to Live In Other Than Your Own

Best: Geneva

2nd: Clarendon Hills

3rd: Naperville

Other Favorites: Downers Grove; Elmhurst; Hinsdale, Naperville; St. Charles; Western Springs; and Wheaton