Make It Better’s Best of 2016 drew more than 168,000 votes across 11 categories. Share your thoughts with us on social media using the hashtag #Bestof2016.
Best Burger (Suburbs)
Edzo’s Burger Shop
The undisputed suburban burger champ for five years running. 1571 Sherman Ave., Evanston
Best Burger (Chicago)
Au Cheval
A burger that will make you salivate and is worth the long wait. 800 W. Randolph St., Chicago
Best Burger (Chain)
Shake Shack
While burger chains can be hit or miss, you can’t go wrong with these juicy burgers and craveable milkshakes. Various locations
Best Pizza (Suburbs)
Lou Malnati’s
When you think of Chicago pizza, the Lou’s pies are the epitome of deep dish. Various locations
Best Pizza (Chicago)
Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co.
Delicious pizza enjoyed amidst an old-school Chicago atmosphere filled with delicious pizza. 2121 N. Clark St., Chicago
Best Cocktail Bar (Suburbs)
Ward Eight
A four-time winner offering stellar cocktails and a speakeasy atmosphere. 629 Howard St., Evanston
Best Cocktail Bar (Chicago)
The Aviary
Cocktails go beyond simple mixology at The Aviary. Go for the mixology, stay for the experience. 955 W. Fulton Market, Chicago
Best Barbecue
Smoque BBQ
Get your fill of brisket, pulled pork, chicken or Texas sausage and don’t forget the sides! 3800 N. Pulaski, Chicago
Best Sweet Bakery (Suburbs) | Best Donuts
Bennison’s Bakery
Bennison’s Bakery repeats as a fan favorite for delectable treats. 1000 Davis St., Evanston
Best Sweet Bakery (Chicago) | Best Cupcakes
Sweet Mandy B’s
We’ll take a dozen cupcakes with dreamy buttercream frosting, and we don’t want to share. 1208 W. Webster Ave., Chicago
Best Bread Bakery
Hewn
Crusty loaves of bread, flakey pastries … what more could you want? 810 Dempster St., Evanston
Best Brunch (Suburbs) | Best Neighborhood Hangout
Ten Mile House
Choosing what to eat for brunch will be the hardest decision you make all weekend. 1700 Central St., Evanston
Best Brunch (Chicago)
“The Lobby” at the Peninsula Hotel
If you’re looking for an elegant brunch, this is where it’s at. 108 E. Superior St., Chicago
Best Breakfast
Walker Bros. Pancake House
It’s all about the pancakes. Various locations
Best Gourmet Market
Foodstuffs
All the gourmet products, plus in-house creations, you’d want. (Don’t miss their pudding.) Various locations
Best Wine Store
Schaefer’s Wines, Foods & Spirits
Having been around since 1936, these folks knows a thing or two about wine. 9965 Gross Point Road
Best Coffee
Glenview Grind
A great cup of joe with a side of giving back to area nonprofits. We love that. 989 Waukegan Road, Glenview
Hippest North Suburban Restaurant | Best Al Fresco Dining (Suburbs)
Found Kitchen and Social House
Retaining its title of hippest, Found is also the place to dine outdoors in the suburbs this year. A farm-to-table audience favorite you don’t want to miss. 1631 Chicago Ave., Evanston
Best Al Fresco Dining (Chicago)
FIG & OLIVE
The garden terrace is a fabulous spot to grab a glass of wine or a bite to eat. 104 East Oak St., Chicago
Most Romantic Dining (Suburbs)
Oceanique
Perfect for date night and a bit of romance. 505 Main St., Evanston
Most Romantic Dining (Chicago)
North Pond
Nothing says romance like an unparalleled location within Lincoln Park, stunning views of the skyline and a Michelin-starred chef. 2610 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
Best Italian (Suburbs)
Campagnola
Find all of your favorite Italian comfort foods with a little bit of modern flair. 815 Chicago Ave., Evanston
Best Italian (Chicago)
Spiaggia
This three-time Best Of winner serves up four-star Italian food that is both simple and elegant. 980 N. Michigan Ave., 2nd floor, Chicago
Best Asian
Koi
Look no further for authentic Chinese cuisine than Koi with its bold flavors and tastes from all over the region. 624 Davis St., Evanston
Best Grocery Store
Mariano’s
From organic to prepared offerings, there’s a new grocery leader in town. Various locations
Best Steakhouse (Suburbs)
Pete Miller’s
Eat a juicy steak while being serenaded by jazz artists. 1557 Sherman Ave., Evanston
Best Steakhouse (Chicago)
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
Calling all carnivores to this repeat winner in this category. 1028 N. Rush St., Chicago
Best Ice Cream
Homer’s Ice Cream
A North Shore staple since the 1930s, a summer wouldn’t be complete without a trip. 1237 Green Bay Road, Wilmette
Best Mexican/Latin
Depot Nuevo
Grab a margarita while you wait for your pleasingly spicy meal. 1139 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette
Best New Restaurant (Opened Since September 2015)
Napolita
Neapolitan-style pizza? Get it fresh from the wood-burning oven. 1126 Central Ave, Wilmette
Best Sandwich
Nick’s Bar & Grill
Sandwiches made from locally sourced, high-quality ingredients make for a happy meal. 1168 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette
Best Sushi
Coast
Bust out the chopsticks for a California roll or a fresh piece of tuna nigiri or a signature roll (White Dragon, anyone?). 2545 Prairie Ave., Evanston
Best Juice/Smoothie
Peeled
Drink to your health with a daily dose of fruits and veggies. 940 Church St., Evanston
