2017 Best of the West

Best of the

West

When it comes to knowing what’s BEST in the western suburbs, we go right to the source — our readers.

Following are your choices for the BEST the western suburbs have to offer in almost 90 categories — a very impressive list, indeed.

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Best Park/Forest Preserve

Morton Arboretum WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | MARCH 2017 39

Photo courtesy of Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse

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Best Steak

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

Dining Best Steak Best: Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook and Rosemont 2nd: Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Naperville 3rd: TIE: Ivy in Wheaton and Morton’s The Steakhouse in Naperville, Rosemont and Schaumburg Other Favorites: FoxFire Restaurant in Geneva; LongHorn Steakhouse in Berwyn, Bolingbrook and North Riverside; and Mon Ami Gabi in Oak Brook

Best seafood Best: Parkers’ Restaurant & Bar in Downers Grove 2nd: Chinn’s 34th Street

Fishery in Lisle 3rd: Shaw’s Crab House in Schaumburg Other Favorites: Catch 35 in Naperville; Greek Islands in Lombard; Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Westmont; and Poor Phil’s Bar & Grill in Oak Park

Best new Restaurant Best: Choun’s Restaurant in Wheaton 2nd: Gia Mia in Geneva and Wheaton Other Favorites: The Chop Shop in Morris; European Deli in Bolingbrook; Grill 89 in Westmont; Lucky Penny Diner & Deli in Naperville; Main Street Pub in Glen Ellyn; Primo in Geneva; and Trio Restaurant & Banquet in Downers Grove

Best romantic restaurant Best: Atwater’s at The Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva 2nd: Niche Restaurant in Geneva; 3rd: Vie in Western Springs Other Favorites: Eddie Merlot’s in Burr Ridge and Warrenville; and Ivy in Wheaton

Best microbrewery/ brewpub Best: Two Brothers Tap House in Warrenville 2nd: TIE: Dry City Brew Works in Wheaton; Emmett’s Brewing Company in Downers Grove and Wheaton; and Stockholm’s in Geneva

3rd: TIE: BuckleDown Brewing in Lyons and Pollyanna Brewing Company in Lemont Other Favorites: Avenue Ale House in Oak Park; The Beer Cellar in Glen Ellyn; Penrose Brewing Company in Geneva; and Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery in Lombard and Warrenville

Best Restaurant If money is no object Best: Atwater’s at The Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva 2nd: Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook and Rosemont 3rd: Vie in Western Springs Other Favorites: Adelle’s Fine American Fare in Wheaton; Allgauer’s at the Lisle/Naperville Hilton; Eddie

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Best: Ivy in Wheaton 2nd: Palmer Place in La Grange 3rd: Fiora’s in Geneva Other Favorites: Chianti’s in Geneva; Fuller House in Hinsdale; Jimmy’s Grill in Naperville; and Maya Del Sol in Oak Park

Best italian restaurant Best: Maggiano’s in multiple locations 2nd: TIE: La ZaZa Trattoria in St. Charles; Lucca’s Ristorante Italiano in La Grange and Villa Verone in Geneva 3rd: TIE: Brio Tuscan Grill in Lombard; Capri in Downers Grove; Clara’s in Lisle and Woodridge; and Roberto’s Ristorante in Elmhurst Other Favorites: Aurelio’s Pizza in multiple locations; Cucina Paradiso in Oak Park; Gatto’s in Downers Grove; Gia Mia in Geneva and Wheaton; and Harry Caray’s in Lombard

Best Sunday brunch Best: Drury Lane in Oak Brook 2nd: TIE: Ditka’s Restaurant in Oakbrook Terrace and the Red Oak Room at Cantigny Golf in Wheaton 3rd: Allgauer’s at The Lisle/ Naperville Hilton Other Favorites: Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits in

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Photo courtesy of Q BBQ

Photo courtesy of Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse

Best OUtdoor Dining

Berwyn; Egg Harbor Café in multiple locations; Nosh in Geneva; and Stockholm’s in Geneva

Best Barbeque Q BBQ

Best place for breakfast Best: Egg Harbor Café in multiple locations 2nd: TIE: Butterfield’s Pancake House in Oakbrook Terrace, Naperville and Wheaton; Jam ‘n Jelly Cafe in Darien, Lemont and Woodridge; Jelly Jam Restaurant in Berwyn; and Nosh in Geneva 3rd: Juicy-O in Downers Grove, Naperville and Willowbrook Other Favorites: Blueberry Hill Breakfast Café in multiple locations; Buttermilk in Geneva; Christy’s in Wood Dale; Egg’lectic Cafe in Wheaton; Egg Yolk Cafe in multiple locations; Honey Jam Café in Bolingbrook and Downers Grove; Mary’s Morning Mix Up in Brookfield; Millie’s Pancake Shoppe in Addison; Pages Restaurant in Hinsdale; Pomegranate Restaurant in Aurora; Poor Phil’s Bar & Grill in Oak Park; and Red Apple Pancake House in Wheaton

Other Favorites: Dickey’s Barbeque Pit in Downers Grove and Wheaton; Famous Dave’s in Addison, Oswego and North Riverside; Nicksons Eatery in La Grange; Robinson’s No. 1 Ribs in Oak Park; Russell’s Barbecue in Elmwood Park; and Sharko’s BBQ in Naperville

Best pizza

Best barbecue Best: Q BBQ in La Grange, Naperville and Oak Park 2nd: Uncle Bub’s BBQ in Westmont 3rd: TIE: FireWater BBQ in Lombard; Noble House in Geneva; The Patio in Aurora, Bolingbrook, Darien and Lombard; and Steamboat BBQ in Wheaton Photo courtesy of Portillo’s

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Merlot’s in Burr Ridge and Warrenville; Isacco Kitchen in St. Charles; Parker’s Restaurant & Bar in Downers Grove; and Wildwood Restaurant in Geneva

Best: Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria in multiple locations 2nd: Armand’s Pizza & Pasta in Elmhurst, La Grange and Lombard 3rd: TIE: Charlie Fox’s in St. Charles and Papa Passero’s in Westmont Other Favorites: Antonino’s Ristorante in La Grange; Aurelio’s Pizza in multiple locations; La Barra in Oak Brook; Firehouse Pizza & Grill in Geneva; Gino’s East, multiple locations; Guilano’s in Hinsdale; Home Run Inn in multiple locations; Jet’s Pizza in Wheaton; Lucca’s Pizzaria & Ristorante in La Grange; Pal Joey’s in Batavia; Papa’s Pizza Place in Bolingbrook and Woodridge; Parker’s Restaurant & Bar in Downer’s Grove; Paul’s Pizza in Westchester; and Skuddlebutts in Downers Grove

Best burger

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Best Hot Dog Portillo’s

Best: Country House Restaurant in Clarendon Hills, Geneva and Lisle 2nd: TIE: Alfie’s Inn in Glen Ellyn; Stockholm’s in Geneva; and That Burger Joint in Bolingbrook, Glen Ellyn and Naperville

3rd: TIE: The Burger Local in Geneva; Portillo’s in multiple locations; and Rockwood Tap House in Downers Grove Other Favorites: Burger Moovment in Elmwood Park; Crossroads Tavern & Eatery in Wood Dale; Empire Burgers + Brew in Naperville; Fuller House in Hinsdale; Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook; Grill 89 in Westmont; Main Street Pub in Glen Ellyn; Palmer Place in La Grange; Sonic Drive-In in Villa Park; Weber Grill in Lombard and Schaumburg; and York Tavern in Oak Brook

Best hot dog Best: Portillo’s in multiple locations 2nd: TIE: Cozzi Corner Hot Dogs in Downers Grove; and Mickey’s Drive-In in Villa Park 3rd: Buona Beef in multiple locations Other Favorites: Dips & Dogs in Hinsdale; Joe’s Place in Westchester; Munchy P’s Eatery in Geneva; Parky’s Hot Dogs in Forest Park; and Tony’s Steamers in Winfield

Best ice cream or dessert Best: Oberweis in multiple locations 2nd: Kilwins in Elmhurst, Geneva and Wheaton.

3rd: TIE: Colonial Cafe in Aurora, Elgin, Naperville and St. Charles; Graham’s Fine Chocolate & Ice Cream in Geneva and Wheaton; and Kimmer’s Ice Cream in St. Charles and Wheaton Other Favorites: Andy’s

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Photo by Samantha Callahan courtesy of Kirschbaum’s Bakery

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Best Bakery

Kirschbaum’s Bakery

Frozen Custard in Bolingbrook; Angelo’s Ristorante in Elmhurst; Le Chocalat du Bouchard in Naperville; Cold Stone Creamery in multiple locations; The Daily Scoop in Clarendon Hills; Dips & Dogs in Hinsdale; Every Day’s a Sundae in Downers Grove; Lezza Spumoni & Desserts in Elmhurst; Petersen’s Ice Cream in Oak Park; and Tates Old Fashioned Ice Cream Shop in La Grange

and Prasino in La Grange

Best sushi Best: Nabuki in Hinsdale .

2nd: TIE: Sushi Mono in Wheaton and Tai San Chef in Naperville 3rd: Sushi House in multiple locations Other Favorites: JuRin Japanese Restaurant in Geneva and South Elgin; Kona Grill in Oak Brook; Shakou Sushi in St. Charles; Shima’s in St. Charles; and Wok ‘n Fire in multiple locations

Best place for vegetarian and/or healthy fare

Best asian restaurant

Best: Blackberry Market in Glen Ellyn 2nd: Kama Bistro in La Grange 3rd: Munch in Oak Park Other Favorites: Owl & Lark in La Grange; Parker’s Restaurant & Bar in Downers Grove; Pita House in Lombard and Schaumburg;

Best: Gen Hoe in Geneva 2nd: Tai San Chef in Darien 3rd: TIE: Jade Dragon in Hinsdale and Wok ‘n Fire in multiple locations Other Favorites: Big Bowl in Schaumburg; Choun’s in Wheaton; House of Emperor in Naperville; Luoing-Loi in Wheaton; Nabuki in

Hinsdale; Penny’s Noodle Shop in Oak Park; Shakou Sushi in St. Charles; Thipi Thai Restaurant in Glen Ellyn; VIP Thai in Woodridge; and Wild Ginger in Hinsdale

Best deli/ sandwich shop Best: Josef’s Elegante Meats & Deli in Geneva 2nd: TIE: Frankie’s Deli in Lombard and Shane’s Deli in Wheaton 3rd: Jason’s Deli in Naperville, Oak Brook and Schaumburg Other Favorites: Augustino’s Rock and Roll Deli in Carol Stream and West Chicago; Berto’s Deli & Pasta Shop in Downers Grove; Casey’s Market in Western Springs; Corner Grind in Elburn; Erik’s Deli in Oak Park; Everdine’s Grilled Cheese Co. in Naperville; Fontano’s Subs in Hinsdale; Jersey Mike’s in multiple locations; Jimmy

John’s in multiple locations; Made in Italy Trattoria in Glen Ellyn; and Panera Bread in multiple locations

Best coffeehouse Best: River City Roasters in Wheaton 2nd: TIE: Cafe La Fortuna in Hinsdale and Peet’s in multiple locations 3rd: Arcedium in St. Charles Other Favorites: Blue Max Coffee in Forest Park; Brewpoint Coffee Company in Elmhurst; Cocoa Bean in Geneva; Corner Grind in Elburn; and Graham’s 318 Coffee House in Geneva

Best tea room/ tea house Best: Emerson Creek Pottery & Tearoom, Oswego 2nd: The Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva 3rd: Pinecone Cottage in Downers Grove

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Best irish pub Best: McNally’s Irish Pub in St. Charles 2nd: Ballydoyle Irish Pub in Aurora and Downers Grove 3rd: TIE: Quigley’s in Naperville and Shannon Irish Pub in Glen Ellyn Other Favorites: Claddagh in Geneva; Connolly’s Public House in Oak Park; Fitz’s Pub in Elmhurst; Irish Times Pub & Restaurant in Brookfield; and Muldoon’s in Wheaton

BEST service at a restaurant Best: Capital Grille in Lombard 2nd: Vie in Western Springs 3rd: Harry Caray’s in Lombard Other Favorites: Primo in Geneva; and Vistro in Hinsdale

best cheap eats Best: Panera Bread in multiple locations 2nd: Portillo’s in multiple locations Other Favorites: Eddie Gaedel Pub and Grill in Elburn; Honey Bee Cafe in Western Springs; Mickey’s Gyros & Ribs in Oak Park; and Zenwich in Elmhurst

Bee Cafe in Western Springs; and Nicksons Eatery in La Grange

best place to buy wine Best: Binny’s in multiple locations 2nd: SavWay Fine Wines & Spirits in Geneva, Oak Brook and St. Charles 3rd: Cooper’s Hawk Winery in Burr Ridge, Naperville and South Barrington Other Favorites: Costco in multiple locations; Sal’s Beverage World in Addison, Elmhurst and Villa Park; Trader Joe’s in multiple locations; and Village Cellar in Hinsdale

Best downtown chicago restaurant Best: Green Zebra 2nd: Cité 3rd: Tru Other Favorites: Vivere and Heaven on Seven

Best fish fry Best: Village Tavern & Grill in Carol Stream and Schaumburg 2nd: Little Owl in Geneva 3rd: TIE: Wheatstack in Lisle and Wheaton VFW

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Best mexican restaurant Best: Bien Trucha in Geneva 2nd: TIE: Pepe’s in multiple locations and Uncle Julio’s Mexican in Lombard, Naperville and Schaumburg 3rd: TIE: A Toda Madre in Glen Ellyn and Jose Maria’s in Geneva Other Favorites: Altiro Latin Fusion in Geneva; Cine Mexican Taquiria in Hinsdale; and Cozymel’s Mexican Grill in Wheaton

Best Neighborhood Bar or pub Best: Fuller House in Hinsdale 2nd: Stockholm’s in St. Charles 3rd: Ballydoyle Irish Pub in Aurora and Downer’s Grove Other Favorites: Country House in Clarendon Hills and Quigley’s in Naperville

Activities & Entertainment favorite tv show Best: NCIS 2nd: TIE: The Walking Dead and This Is Us

3rd: TIE: The Crown and Game of Thrones Other Favorites: The Affair; Blue Bloods; and Nashville

Best festival or fair Best: Festival of the Vine in Geneva 2nd: Ribfest in Naperville 3rd: Hinsdale Art Fair Other Favorites: Heritage Fest in Downers Grove; Scarecrow Festival in St. Charles; Swedish Days in Geneva; and Taste of Wheaton

Best farmer’s market Best: Wheaton French Market 2nd: La Grange 3rd: TIE: Oak Park Farmer’s Market and Geneva French Market Other Favorites: Downers Grove; Hinsdale; St. Charles; and Western Springs

Best AREA Museum Best: DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville 2nd: TIE: Cantigny Park in Wheaton and Geneva History Museum 3rd: Elmhurst Art Museum

Photo courtesy of River City Roasters

Photo by Samantha Callahan courtesy of Kirschbaum’s Bakery

Other Favorites: Suzette’s Creperie in Wheaton

Best Coffeehouse River City Roasters

best french restaurant Best: Mon Ami Gabi in Oak Brook 2nd: Suzette’s Creperie in Wheaton Other Favorites: Euro Crepes in Glen Ellyn; La France Cafe & Crepes in Lombard; and Paris Bistro in Naperville

best kid-friendly restaurant Best: Portillo’s in multiple locations 2nd: Gatto’s Italian Restaurant & Bar in Downers Grove 3rd: 2Toots Train Whistle Grill in Glen Ellyn Other Favorites: Barones in Glen Ellyn; Egg Harbor Café in multiple locations; Honey WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | MARCH 2017 43

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best of the west

Best public library Best: Wheaton 2nd: TIE: Hinsdale; St. Charles; and Woodridge 3rd: TIE: Downers Grove; Elmhurst; Geneva; and Naperville Other Favorites: Addison; Batavia; and Oak Park

Best movie theater Best: AMC Yorktown in Lombard 2nd: TIE: Cinemark at Seven Bridges in Woodridge; Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove 3rd: Marcus Theatres in Addison Other Favorites: Charlestowne 18 in St. Charles; The Glen in Glen Ellyn; Ogden 6 in Naperville; York Theatre in Elmhurst

Best movie in past year

Other Favorites: Graue Mill and Museum in Oak Brook; The Riverwalk in Naperville; and Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove

Best wedding venue Best: Morton Arboretum in Lisle 2nd: Cantigny Park inWheaton 3rd: Drury Lane in Oak Brook Other Favorites: The Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva and The Westin in Lombard

Best park/ forest preserve Best: Morton Arboretum in Lisle 2nd: Blackwell Forest Preserve in Wheaton 3rd: TIE: Cantigny Park in Wheaton and Island Park in Geneva n

Best bargain shopping/ outlet store

Best LOCAL BAND Best: Thunder Road 2nd: Niche 3rd: 7th Heaven

BEST live theatre Best: Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace

Best Festival or Fair Festival of the Vine

Best: Hinsdale Fine Arts Festival 2nd: Geneva Arts Fair 3rd: La Grange Art & Craft Fair Other Favorites: Art in the Park in Elmhurst; Christkindlmarket in Naperville; Naperville Fine Art Show; and Swedish Days in Glen Ellyn

Best: Nordstrom Rack in Naperville, Oak Brook and Schaumburg 2nd: Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora 3rd: Resale Connection in Westmont Other Favorites: HomeGoods in Hillside and Lombard; Kelsey Resale Boutique in Hinsdale and Glen Ellyn

Most unique gift shop Best: The Little Traveler in Geneva 2nd: Bella Roba in Wheaton 3rd: Tuesday Morning in Downers Grove, Western Springs and Wheaton Other Favorites: Clever Girl in Western Springs; and Gift Box in Geneva

Best Women’s clothing store or boutique

Best weekend getaway

Best: Cantigny Park in Wheaton 2nd: Morton Arboretum in Lisle 3rd: Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio in Oak Park

Best: Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook 2nd: Yorktown Shopping Center in Lombard 3rd: Geneva Commons Other Favorites: The Promenade Bolingbrook and Stratford Square in Bloomingdale

Best: EvenFlow in Geneva 2nd: Paramount Theatre in Aurora 3rd: Arcada Theatre in St. Charles Other Favorites: FitzGerald’s in Berwyn; Jazz Up in Glen Ellyn; and Memorial Park Bandshell in Wheaton

Best craft or art show

Best historic landmark/attraction

Best Mall/ shopping center

Best place for live music

Best: Sully 2nd: TIE: Florence Foster Jenkins and Hidden Figures 3rd: Fantastic Beasts Other Favorites: Star Wars: Rogue One and La La Land

Best: Galena 2nd: Lake Geneva, WI 3rd: Geneva, Las Vegas; Milwaukee; and Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles

Shopping

Chuck E. Cheese in multiple locations

Photo courtesy of The Weinstein Company

Other Favorites: Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Elmhurst

Other Favorites: Herrick Lake in Wheaton; LeRoye Oakes in St. Charles; and Thatcher Woods in River Forest

Best place for kid’s party Best: Safari Land in Villa Park 2nd: Cosley Zoo in Wheaton 3rd: Funway Family Fun Center in Batavia Other Favorites: Xtreme Trampolines in Carol Stream; and

2nd: Paramount Theatre in Aurora 3rd: Arcada Theatre in St. Charles Other Favorites: First Folio in Oak Brook; Theatre of Western Springs; McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn; and the Rialto Theatre in Joliet

Best book you’ve read lately Best: The Girl on the Train 2nd: Sahara

Best: Von Maur in Lombard and St. Charles 2nd: Kohl’s in multiple locations 3rd: Dress Barn in multiple locations Other Favorites: Carson’s in multiple locations; Jorie & June in Geneva; Chico’s in multiple locations; and Nordstrom in Oak Brook and Schaumburg

best department store Best: Nordstrom in Oak Brook and Schaumburg 2nd: Van Maur in Lombard and St. Charles 3rd: Macy’s in multiple locations Other Favorites: Carson’s

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Photo courtesy of Arrowhead Golf Club

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in multiple locations; Target in multiple locations; and T.J.Maxx in multiple locations

Best jewelry store

Best: State Street Jewelers in Geneva 2nd: Razny Jewelers in Addison and Hinsdale 3rd: TIE: Bella Cosa Jewelers in Willowbrook; and Altobello Jewelers in Wheaton Other Favorites: Ancona Jewelers in Addison; Begeman Jewelers in Willowbrook; and Stone’s Jewelry in Wheaton

Best place to buy men’s clothing Best: Nordstrom in Oak Brook and Schaumburg 2nd: Kohl’s in multiple locations 3rd: TIE: Men’s Warehouse in multiple locations and Van Maur in Lombard and St. Charles

Best place for women’s shoes Best: Nordstrom in Oak Brook and Schaumburg

2nd: DSW in multiple locations 3rd: Von Maur in Lombard and St. Charles Other Favorites: Carson’s in multiple locations and Kelsey Resale Boutique in Hinsdale and Glen Ellyn

Best place to buy women’s jeans Best: Jeans and a Cute Top Shop in Downers Grove, St. Charles and Wheaton 2nd: Dress Barn in multiple locations 3rd: TIE: Nordstrom in Oak Brook and Schaumburg and Van Maur in Lombard and St. Charles

Best place to buy ChILDREN’S clothes Best: Kohl’s in multiple locations 2nd: The Children’s Place in Lombard, North Riverside and River Forest 3rd: My Sister Kate in Hinsdale Other Favorites: Gymboree in multiple locations and The Little Traveler in Geneva

Best KITCHEN AND HOUSEWARES STORE Best: Sur La Table in Naperville, Oak Brook and South Barrington 2nd: TIE: Bed Bath & Beyond, multiple locations; and Crate & Barrel in multiple locations 3rd: Williams Sonoma in Geneva, Naperville and Oak Brook Other Favorites: Carson’s in multiple locations and Marcel’s Culinary Experience in Glen Ellyn

3rd: TIE: Kelsey Resale in Hinsdale and Glen Ellyn and Second Hand Rose in Wheaton Other Favorites: Anew in Geneva; The Courtyard in Hinsdale; and My Favorite Things in Downers Grove and St. Charles Photo courtesy of CBS

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Favorite Area Public Golf Course

Best place to buy antiques Best: Affordable Antiques in Naperville 2nd: Jubilee Furniture in Carol Stream 3rd: Antiques of Winfield Other Favorites: Ebenezer’s Gift House in Clarendon Hills

Best resale/ consignment store Best: Resale Connection in Lisle 2nd: Goodwill in multiple locations

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Favorite TV Show NCIS

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Photo courtesy of VIsitGalena.org

best of the west

Best Weekend Getaway Galena

Best place to buy appliances

Best: T.J.Maxx in multiple locations 2nd: TIE: Restoration Hardware in Oak Brook and Pottery Barn in Oak Brook 3rd: TIE: HomeGoods in Hillside and Lombard and Stockholm Objects in Geneva

Photo courtesy of DuPage Children’s Museum

Best: Sears in multiple locations 2nd: Best Buy in multiple locations 3rd: H.H. Gregg in Downers Grove and North Riverside Other Favorites: Abt in Glenview and Young’s Appliances in Glen Ellyn

Best decorative accessories for the home

Other Favorites: Anastasia in Geneva; Gia Haute & Home in Hinsdale; Kirkland’s in Bloomingdale, Hoffman Estates, Joliet and Woodridge; Pier 1 Imports in multiple locations; and 610 Home in Geneva

Best ART GALLERY Best: The Brigantine Gallery in Downers Grove 2nd: DuPage Art League in Wheaton Other Favorites: Art Quest in Hinsdale; La Grange Art League Gallery; Expression Galleries of Fine Art in Hinsdale; and Ten Thousand Villages in Glen Ellyn and Oak Park

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Best Area Museum

DuPage Children’s Museum

Best: Art Van in Downers Grove, Glendale Heights and Naperville 2nd: Tom’s Price in

Bloomingdale, South Barrington and Wheaton 3rd: TIE: 610 Home in Geneva and Bob’s Discount Furniture in Villa Park Other Favorites: Carson’s in multiple locations; The Dump in Lombard; Penny Mustard in Downers Grove, Naperville and Schaumburg; Restoration Hardware in Oak Brook; Walter E. Smithe in Geneva, Glendale Heights, Naperville and Oak Brook

Best pet STORE/boutique Best: Pet Supplies Plus in multiple locations 2nd: Happy Dog Barkery in Downers Grove 3rd: TIE: Bentley’s Pet Stuff in Elmhurst and The Barking Lot in Wheaton Other Favorites: Dog Patch Pet & Feed in Naperville; Groom Room in Lombard; and Wet Nose in Geneva and Oak Brook

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Best Farmer’s Market

Wheaton French Market BEST Grocery, food market or gourmet shop Best: Mariano’s in multiple locations 2nd: Whole Foods in multiple locations 3rd: Blue Goose in St. Charles and Pete’s Fresh Market in Oak Park and Oakbrook Terrace Other Favorites: Jewel in multiple locations; Standard Market in Naperville and Westmont; and Trader Joe’s in multiple locations

Best nursery/ garden center Best: Wannemaker’s in Downers Grove 2nd: TIE: The Growing Place in Aurora and Naperville and Planter’s Palette in Winfield 3rd: Wasco Nursery & Garden Center in St. Charles Other Favorites: Barn Owl Garden Center in Carol Stream and Vern Goers Greenhouse in Hinsdale

Best new store

Best: The Royal Wren in Geneva 2nd: Edie’s Boutique in Naperville 3rd: Gia Haute & Home in Hinsdale

Best hair salon Best: Mario Tricoci in Lombard, Oakbrook, Naperville and Schaumburg 2nd: Babette’s Hair Concepts in Geneva 3rd: TIE: Bella Hair Salon in Berwyn and The Salon by David and William in Hinsdale Other Favorites: Linea Hair Salon & Day Spa in Glen Ellyn; Sean Patrick’s Hair Salon in La Grange; Zano Salons in Batavia, Lisle and Naperville; and Zazu in Hinsdale, Naperville and Wheaton

Best Car wash Best: DuPage Auto Bath in West Chicago 2nd: King Car Wash in Westmont 3rd: Delta Sonic Car Wash in multiple locations Other Favorites: Brighton Car Wash in Naperville, Platinum Car Wash in Wheaton; and Standard Wash in St. Charles

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RECENTLY CLOSED SPOT YOU’LL MISS THE MOST MOST: Dominick’s Finer Foods in multiple locations 2nd: Sweet Tomatoes in Aurora, Lombard, Schaumburg and St. Charles 3rd: Tango in Naperville Other Favorites: DuPage Inn Bar & Grill in Downers Grove Photo courtesy of Drury Lane Theatre

Photo courtesy of French Market Promotions

Photo courtesy of VIsitGalena.org

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Services

Best Live Theatre Drury Lane

Best FITNESS CENTER/ HEALTH CLUB Best: Life Time Fitness in Bloomingdale, Burr Ridge, Romeoville, Schaumburg and Warrenville 2nd: Blast Fitness in Glendale Heights, Lombard, Naperville and Schaumburg 3rd: Planet Fitness in multiple locations Other Favorites: Active Souls in La Grange; DuPage Wellness Center in Glen Ellyn; Fuse Gym in Elburn; and XSport Fitness in multiple locations

Best AREA BAKERY Best: Kirschbaum’s Bakery in Western Springs 2nd: Kirsten’s Danish Bakery in Burr Ridge 3rd: Ingram’s Busy Bee Bakery in Downers Grove Other Favorites: Nothing Bundt Cakes in multiple locations; Sweet Ali’s in Hinsdale; and Sweet Natalie’s in Geneva

Best LOCAL HOTEL

Sports

Best: The Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva 2nd: Hotel Baker in St. Charles 3rd: TIE: Crowne Plaza in Glen Ellyn and The Drake in Oak Brook Other Favorites: The Carleton in Oak Park; Hotel Arista in Naperville; and The Westin in Lombard

Best AREA GOLF COURSE

General

Best Auto Repair Shop

Best AREA CELEBRITY

Best: Fuller’s Service Center in Hinsdale 2nd: Ron’s Automotive Services in Geneva 3rd: TIE: Firestone in multiple locations and North Gary Auto Repair in Carol Stream

Best: Chicago Blackhawks Coach Joel Quenneville 2nd: TV weather person Tracy Butler Other Favorites: Nora Fleming, internationally known designer; Jenny McCarthy, actress; and Melissa McCarthy, actress

Best: Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton 2nd: Cantigny Golf in Wheaton 3rd: Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont Other Favorites: Butler National Golf Club in Oak Brook; Seven Bridges Golf Club in Woodridge; St. Andrews Golf & Country Club in West Chicago; Top Golf in Naperville and Wood Dale; Village Links in Glen Ellyn; Willow Crest Golf Club in Oak Brook; and Zigfield Troy Golf in Woodridge

Best golf driving range Best: Zigfield Troy Golf in Woodridge 2nd: TIE: Oak Brook Golf Club; and Top Golf

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Photo courtesy of Chicago Cubs/Steve Green

best of the west Favorite Chicago Area Sports Team Chicago Cubs

in Naperville and Wood Dale 3rd: St. Andrews Golf & Country Club in West Chicago Other Favorites: Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton; Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont; and Links & Tees in Addison

Best AREA Bowling alley Best: Suburbanite Bowl in Westmont 2nd: Pinstripes in Oak Brook and South Barrington 3rd: Brunswick Zone in multiple locations Other Favorites: Bowling Green Sports Center in West Chicago; Fox Bowl in Wheaton; St. Charles Bowl; and Tivoli Bowl in Downers Grove

FAVORITE sports bar or place to watch sports Best: Buffalo Wild Wings in multiple locations 2nd: Jackson Avenue Pub in Naperville 3rd: Fuller House in Hinsdale

FAVORITE CHICAGO AREA SPORTS TEAM Best: Cubs 2nd: Blackhawks 3rd: White Sox Other Favorites: Bears and Bulls

FAVORITE CHICAGO athlete/personality Best: Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs 2nd: Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks and Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs

3rd: Chicago Cubs Manager Joe Maddon Other Favorites: Chicago Blackhawks Coach Joel Quenneville

Chicago Area FAVORITE BROADCAST NEWS PERSONALITY Best: Alan Krashesky, ABC7 2nd: Mark Giangreco, ABC7 3rd: Allison Rosati, WMAQ

FAVORITE RADIO PERSONALITY Best: Eric and Kathy, WTMX 101.9 FM 2nd: Bill and Wendy, WGN 720 AM

3rd: Steve Dahl, WLS-AM890

BEST ANNUAL CHICAGO PUBLIC EVENT OR FESTIVAL Best: Air & Water Show 2nd: Taste of Chicago 3rd: TIE: Chicago Blues Festival and Chicago Gospel Music Festival Other Favorites: Gold Coast Art Fair and Lollapalooza

town you’d want to live in (other THAN YOUR OWN) Best: Geneva 2nd: Elmhurst 3rd: Glen Ellyn Other Favorites: Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Lisle, Oak Brook and Western Springs

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