Here’s just a few of the great local business who won our Best Of 2021 awards. To see the full list of winners, visit our Best Of winners page.
Best Yoga Studio – Suburbs
Yogaview
Yogaview offers over 60 in-studio and virtual classes weekly. Find one that fits you. 10% off in the boutique with this ad.
2211 North Elston Avenue, Suite 200, Chicago, IL, 773.342.9642
1231 Greenbay Road, Wilmette, IL, 847.919.0533
Best Business/Personal Coach — City
(En) Courage Coaching
(En)Courage Coaching works alongside recent grads, experienced professionals, and small businesses to pursue their earnest and ambitious goals. For our team, building a collaborative, strengths-based partnership with clients exists as our number one priority. If you are searching for a thought partner and fierce supporter as you imagine the possibilities for your career or small business — we’ve got you covered and cannot wait to meet you on this journey!
Offices in Ravenswood & South Shore, IL
708.704.8606
Best Gifts — Suburbs
La De Da
Our goal the past 16 years has been to build quality relationships with our amazing customers. We love being part of your lives and helping you find the perfect gift!! Thank you so much for your wonderful support and loyalty. We appreciate each one of you.
1957 Cherry Lane, Northbrook, IL
847.562.1170
Best Art Gallery — Suburbs
Evanston Art Center
The Evanston Art Center is a non-profit that inspires art education, exhibitions and expression for all. Our galleries exhibit contemporary artwork by emerging and established artists, and are committed to providing a venue for new artistic ideas and forms.
1717 Central Street, Evanston, IL
847.475.5300
Best Coffee Shop – Suburbs
Backlot Coffee
We strive daily to surprise our guests with kindness. We want Backlot Coffee to be the place you go to meet your neighbors, your local coffeehouse. Thank you for your support, you can find us on Central Street in Evanston and in the Old Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago.
2006 Central Street, Evanston, IL 847.859.2144
3982 N Avondale Avenue, Chicago, IL 773.657.3797
Best Realtor — Suburbs
Julie Hartvigsen, Compass
Born and raised on the North Shore, Julie has expert knowledge of the area. She excels at building lasting client relationships and negotiating the challenges inherent in every real estate transaction. Julie is a consummate professional who values family, community, and the importance of home.
851 Spruce Street, Winnetka, IL
773.266.9850, julie.hartvigsen@compass.com
Best Spa and Massage — Suburbs
Egea Spa
Voted “Best of” for 10 years in a row, serving the North Shore for over 18 years. Focused on Body Wellness and Improving skin health, conveniently located in downtown Evanston. EGEA is a tranquil escape for your mind and body moving you closer to your wellness goals with each treatment. EGEA provides outstanding personalized attention to each individual need, with licensed and highly trained therapists. Dr. Adam J. Cohen MD directs the Medical Spa services that include Laser skincare, Injectables, Medical Peels, Hydrafacials, Micro Needling, and Body Contouring.
1521 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL
847.332.2772
Best Facial — Suburbs
One Magnificent Medspa
One Magnificent Medspa (female owned business), was founded in 2017 with the focus to create the most efficient skincare experience for our clients. To age gracefully, you owe it to yourself to take care of you, your skin, and your wellness – inside and out.
1100 Central Avenue, (Entrance is on 11th Street), Wilmette, IL
847.503.9056
Best Private School — Suburbs
North Shore Country Day
North Shore Country Day is an independent school in Winnetka focused on what matters most when educating children. It features an intentionally designed program for students JK-12, with a purposefully challenging curriculum, an ethos of courageous exploration, and a diverse and conscientious community.
310 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL
847.441.3313
Best Builder — Suburbs
Orren Pickell Building Group
Founded nearly five decades ago, Orren Pickell Building Group is a custom home builder known throughout Chicagoland, Southern Wisconsin, and Harbor Country Michigan, for our craftsmanship and attention to detail. We thoughtfully design, build, remodel, and maintain each custom home to suit the homeowners’ unique preferences and lifestyle.
444 Skokie Blvd, Suite 200, Wilmette, IL
847.572.5200
Best Sandwiches — Suburbs
Stacked And Folded
We are in our sixth successful year with busy locations in Evanston and Winnetka. Safety and cleanliness have always been top priorities and that commitment continues. Visit us for healthy, fast, fresh sandwiches, tacos and salads. Both locations offer carryout, delivery, and patios for socially distanced, al fresco dining. Catering also available.
551 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, IL 847.386.9100
824 Noyes Street, Evanston, IL 847.328.9100
Best Kids/Family Photographer — Suburbs
Nicole Thomas Photography
Nicole Thomas Photography has been a staple of the North Shore and Chicagoland for nineteen years. Specializing in portraiture, the staff works closely with families to create amazing images, both in the studio and on-location. NTP also works with small and large businesses in producing professional headshots and team images. The dedicated team of retouchers, stylists, and photo assistants strives to make your ideal image a reality.
1942 Lehigh Avenue, Suite D, Glenview, IL
847.729.4466 info@nicolethomas.com
Best Make Up Artist
Leesi B Cosmetics
Come see why Leesi B has been voted a Better winner since 2015. Schedule your private one-hour appointment in her studio, where she carries over 3,000 products. Let Elise edit your make up bag, create your new look for a special occasion, a photo shoot, or your profile page. She specializes in skin care and cosmetics, airbrushing and lash application.
Northbrook, IL
847.912.2665, Leesib@leesib.com
Best Eyewear — Suburbs
Superior Optical
Family owned and operated, Superior Optical is the North Shores premier destination for prescription eyewear and sunwear. Located in Glenview for over 42 years we continue to deliver a customer experience unlike any other optical. With the largest selection of eyewear to choose from, our experienced opticians will guide you to selecting that perfect pair. Our diverse selection includes Celine, Yves Saint Laurent, Mykita, Garrett Leight and many more. Superior Optical credits its success to its loyal customer base and dedication to providing premium service to all of our clients.
2723 Pfingsten Road, Plaza Del Prado, Glenview, IL
847.564.3838
Best Physical Therapy — Suburbs
React Physical Therapy
React Physical Therapy is revolutionizing restorative care with the Reavy Method©, a proprietary treatment that addresses both the cause and symptoms of pain for whole body strength and mobility. With five convenient Chicago area locations, React PT offers 1-on-1 customized care for optimal patient recovery and success.
Chicago • Deerfield • Wilmette
312.243.9350
Best Preschool – Suburbs
Our Lady Of Perpetual Help School (OLPH School) — Preschool-8th Grade
For over 90 years, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School has provided an outstanding Catholic education within the North Shore community. OLPH is a community bound by a mission of faith and dedicated to designing an individualized program of success for each child with carefully structured classes, allowing for every child to be known and loved. Come discover the distinction that makes us an extraordinary place of learning!
1123 Church Street, Glenview, IL
847.724.6990
Best Midwest Family Destination
Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan
Discover the splendor of autumn in The Art Coast, where miles of award-winning beaches, an abundance of art and culture, and a thriving culinary scene await. From apple picking and corn mazes to gallery strolls and winery tours, your best fall getaway is in Saugatuck/Douglas.
95 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, MI
269.857.1701
Best Men’s Clothing Store — Suburbs
Guys & Co.
Guys & Co. in Highland Park has been dressing men, teens and boys for over 14 years. Carrying the latest trends in clothing and accessories, we bring out a guy’s personal style in a comfortable shopping atmosphere. We are also the top boy’s suit retailer in the area. Shop online 24/7.
1855-B Deerfield Road, Highland Park, IL
847.940.4897, styleteam@guysandco.com
