Best of Chicago 2017

Reasons to love Chicago, and the people, places, and things voted Chicago's best in Arts & Culture, Food & Drink, Music & Nightlife, Goods & Services, City Life, and Sports & Recreation

on June 22, 2017

Reasons to love Chicago

From its flatness to midwestern niceness, let us count the ways.

on June 22, 2017

Trump hates Chicago, and Chicagoans should be proud

Chicago’s in good company on the president’s enemies list.

by Ben Joravsky on June 22, 2017

Chicago was a sanctuary city long before Trump’s presidency

Chicago wouldn’t be Chicago if it hadn’t been a refuge.

by Jeff Nichols on June 22, 2017

Chicago’s famous flatness is important (and not always true)

Pancake-flat topography made the city a center for engineering innovations.

by Bill Savage on June 22, 2017

Some cities might not be around in the future, but Chicago will be

And here’s what it will be like.

by Mike Sula on June 22, 2017

Business in the front, party on the back porch

Where Chicagoans go when they want to chill

by Aimee Levitt on June 22, 2017

Twenty-Sixth Street is Chicago’s Mexican Magnificent Mile

The Little Village shopping district reportedly generates more revenue than any other commercial corridor in the city save Michigan Avenue.

by Robin Amer on June 22, 2017

A block in Oakland is an oasis, and a tale of segregation

The 4100 block of South Berkeley Avenue might be beautiful, but it has a troubled history.

by Maya Dukmasova on June 22, 2017

Don’t you dare cross Chicago’s crossing guards

These authority figures exhibit a lethal combination of kindness to children and a death stare reserved for me-first motorists.

by Jonathan Messinger on June 22, 2017

The urban rabbit is the unofficial mascot of Chicago

Those wascally wabbits thrive despite the city’s harsh winters.

by J.R. Jones on June 22, 2017

Open University of the Left is free, liberal, and necessary

The monthly seminars have been around for a long time, but they’re perfect for the present.

by Deanna Isaacs on June 22, 2017

Illinois’s tollway oases offer abundance amid the asphalt desert

The unconventional rest stops are a distinctive feature of the U.S. roadway system.

by Jake Malooley on June 22, 2017

The small victory of the single seat on the el train

Without it, riding the subway would be even worse than it already can be.

by Kevin Warwick on June 22, 2017

The low pleasures of the Metra train’s top floor

The railway’s “balcony” seating is city life in miniature.

by Tal Rosenberg on June 22, 2017

Leave Chicago by rail, embrace the unhurried journey

Extended train trips are alternatives to the frantic pace of contemporary life.

by Ryan Smith on June 22, 2017

The sweet steak sandwich should be a Chicago food icon

Most commonly available in majority black neighborhoods on the south side, the standout sandwich is unfortunately overlooked.

by Ernest Wilkins on June 22, 2017

Bars on residential streets are Chicago’s ‘great good places’

Watering holes off the beaten path provide homes away from home.

by Julia Thiel on June 22, 2017

Why you should buy groceries on Argyle and Devon

It costs more to live in a city as large and diverse as Chicago, but these international markets help you get your money’s worth.

by Philip Montoro on June 22, 2017

The Sweets & Snacks Expo pulls back the confectionery curtain

This annual industry convention is more overwhelming than Willy Wonka’s factory tour—but you’re much less likely to get turned into a giant blueberry.

by Leor Galil on June 22, 2017

Crime Story is quintessential Chicago television

The short-lived 1980s police drama was created by Michael Mann and shot largely in Chicago.

by Lee Bey on June 22, 2017

Chicago has its own beachhead in the K-pop invasion

Shopping at K-Pop of Chinatown is as close as you can get to Shinee and BTS without a concert ticket.

by Leor Galil on June 22, 2017

Chicago radio thrives at the left of the dial

Corporate consolidation has flattened out the big commercial outlets, but low-power and college stations still have plenty of personality.

by Peter Margasak on June 22, 2017

All hail Steve Stone, the conscience of Chicago baseball

The broadcaster might have switched sides, but he’s beloved by everyone in the city.

by Kate Schmidt on June 22, 2017

Optimo brings back top-shelf hat-making

It’s worth the price for a quality fedora.

by Tony Adler on June 22, 2017

‘That first warm day’ should be an official Chicago holiday

The sudden unseasonable temperature spike is cause for citywide celebration.

by Jake Malooley on June 22, 2017

Chicagoans are big-city folk who’re midwestern nice

Pleasantries help Chicago remain a beautiful, complicated city that works.

by Megan Stielstra on June 22, 2017

Reevaluating why you stay in Chicago can be therapeutic

As loved ones leave the city, consider the pros of sticking around.

by Laura Pearson on June 22, 2017

Best of Chicago 2017: Arts & Culture

on June 22, 2017

Best new theater company

on June 22, 2017

Best established theater company

on June 22, 2017

Best off-Loop theater company

on June 22, 2017

Best long-running play

on June 22, 2017

Best new play

on June 22, 2017

Best touring play

on June 22, 2017

Best revival of a well-known play

on June 22, 2017

Best musical

on June 22, 2017

Best actor

on June 22, 2017

Best actress

on June 22, 2017

Best playwright

on June 22, 2017

Best stage director

on June 22, 2017

Best choreographer

on June 22, 2017

Best stand-up comic

on June 22, 2017

Best sketch/improv troupe

on June 22, 2017

Best venue for stand-up

on June 22, 2017

Best venue for improv/sketch

on June 22, 2017

Best dance troupe

on June 22, 2017

Best venue for dance

on June 22, 2017

Best burlesque troupe

on June 22, 2017

Best performing arts festival

on June 22, 2017

Best established gallery

on June 22, 2017

Best new gallery

on June 22, 2017

Best gallery exhibit

on June 22, 2017

Best underground art space

on June 22, 2017

Best established visual artist

on June 22, 2017

Best new visual artist

on June 22, 2017

Best photographer

on June 22, 2017

Best street artist

on June 22, 2017

Best mural

on June 22, 2017

Best architect

on June 22, 2017

Best architecture firm

on June 22, 2017

Best public artwork

on June 22, 2017

Best public art event

on June 22, 2017

Best advocate for the arts

on June 22, 2017

Best art sale

on June 22, 2017

Best museum

on June 22, 2017

Best museum exhibit

on June 22, 2017

Best art classes

on June 22, 2017

Best movie theater

on June 22, 2017

Best movie theater bar

on June 22, 2017

Best film programming

on June 22, 2017

Best film festival

on June 22, 2017

Best filmmaker

on June 22, 2017

Best late-night movies

on June 22, 2017

Best novelist

on June 22, 2017

Best nonfiction writer

on June 22, 2017

Best new novel by a Chicagoan

on June 22, 2017

Best new nonfiction book by a Chicagoan

on June 22, 2017

Best poet

on June 22, 2017

Best literary event

on June 22, 2017

Best of Chicago 2017: Food & Drink

on June 22, 2017

Best overall restaurant

on June 22, 2017

Best fancy restaurant

on June 22, 2017

Best bang for your buck

on June 22, 2017

Best up-and-coming chef

on June 22, 2017

Best chef

on June 22, 2017

Best food blog

on June 22, 2017

Best food-delivery service

on June 22, 2017

Best restaurant name

on June 22, 2017

Best new food trend

on June 22, 2017

Best cocktail bar

on June 22, 2017

Best beer bar

on June 22, 2017

Best tiki bar

on June 22, 2017

Best cocktail

on June 22, 2017

Best mixologist

on June 22, 2017

Best wine list

on June 22, 2017

Best sommelier

on June 22, 2017

Best local distillery

on June 22, 2017

Best local brewery

on June 22, 2017

Best brewpub

on June 22, 2017

Best brewery tour

on June 22, 2017

Best local beer

on June 22, 2017

Best local spirit

on June 22, 2017

Best wine shop

on June 22, 2017

Best liquor store

on June 22, 2017

Best beer shop

on June 22, 2017

Best BYOB restaurant

on June 22, 2017

Best place worth a wait

on June 22, 2017

Best alfresco dining

on June 22, 2017

Best late-night eats

on June 22, 2017

Best underground dining

on June 22, 2017

Best waitstaff

on June 22, 2017

Best family-friendly restaurant

on June 22, 2017

Best-looking waitstaff

on June 22, 2017

Best food festival

on June 22, 2017

Best food truck

on June 22, 2017

Best gluten-free restaurant

on June 22, 2017

Best gourmet market

on June 22, 2017

Best local grocer

on June 22, 2017

Best local food product

on June 22, 2017

Best local farmer

on June 22, 2017

Best farmers' market

on June 22, 2017

Best butcher shop

on June 22, 2017

Best cheesemonger

on June 22, 2017

Best barista

on June 22, 2017

Best restaurant group

on June 22, 2017

Best restaurant with a view

on June 22, 2017

Best restaurant for romance

on June 22, 2017

Best restaurant for a cheap date

on June 22, 2017

Best neighborhood restaurant

on June 22, 2017

Best bagels

on June 22, 2017

Best bakery

on June 22, 2017

Best banh mi

on June 22, 2017

Best barbecue

on June 22, 2017

Best bread

on June 22, 2017

Best breakfast

on June 22, 2017

Best brunch

on June 22, 2017

Best burger

on June 22, 2017

Best Chinese restaurant

on June 22, 2017

Best Chinese takeout/delivery

on June 22, 2017

Best cafe/coffee shop

on June 22, 2017

Best coffee roaster

on June 22, 2017

Best desserts

on June 22, 2017

Best doughnuts

on June 22, 2017

Best falafel

on June 22, 2017

Best Greek restaurant

on June 22, 2017

Best hot dog

on June 22, 2017

Best ice cream

on June 22, 2017

Best Indian restaurant

on June 22, 2017

Best Italian restaurant

on June 22, 2017

Best Korean restaurant

on June 22, 2017

Best Mexican restaurant

on June 22, 2017

Best Middle Eastern restaurant

on June 22, 2017

Best pierogi

on June 22, 2017

Best pizza

on June 22, 2017

Best pizza delivery

on June 22, 2017

Best pizza by the slice

on June 22, 2017

Best poké

on June 22, 2017

Best Polish restaurant

on June 22, 2017

Best pub grub

on June 22, 2017

Best ramen

on June 22, 2017

Best sandwich

on June 22, 2017

Best seafood restaurant

on June 22, 2017

Best soul food restaurant

on June 22, 2017

Best soup

on June 22, 2017

Best steak house

on June 22, 2017

Best sushi

on June 22, 2017

Best taqueria

on June 22, 2017

Best Thai restaurant

on June 22, 2017

Best vegetarian restaurant

on June 22, 2017

Best vegan restaurant

on June 22, 2017

Best Vietnamese restaurant

on June 22, 2017

Best of Chicago 2017: Music & Nightlife

on June 22, 2017

Best new band

on June 22, 2017

Best rock band

on June 22, 2017

Best hip-hop artist

on June 22, 2017

Best metal band

on June 22, 2017

Best classical group

on June 22, 2017

Best international/world music act

on June 22, 2017

Best jazz band

on June 22, 2017

Best jazz musician

on June 22, 2017

Best blues band

on June 22, 2017

Best country band

on June 22, 2017

Best singer/songwriter

on June 22, 2017

Best DJ

on June 22, 2017

Best local dance producer

on June 22, 2017

Best band name

on June 22, 2017

Best gig poster designer

on June 22, 2017

Best local music blog

on June 22, 2017

Best local music podcast

on June 22, 2017

Best bartender

on June 22, 2017

Best local label

on June 22, 2017

Best party promoter

on June 22, 2017

Best music festival

on June 22, 2017

Best music venue

on June 22, 2017

Best rock club

on June 22, 2017

Best hip-hop club

on June 22, 2017

Best jazz club

on June 22, 2017

Best blues club

on June 22, 2017

Best dance club

on June 22, 2017

Best dance party

on June 22, 2017

Best LGBTQ dance party

on June 22, 2017

Best gay bar

on June 22, 2017

Best lesbian bar

on June 22, 2017

Best new bar

on June 22, 2017

Best dive bar

on June 22, 2017

Best neighborhood bar

on June 22, 2017

Best hotel bar

on June 22, 2017

Best 4 AM bar

on June 22, 2017

Best barcade

on June 22, 2017

Best strip club

on June 22, 2017

Best casino

on June 22, 2017

Best smoking area

on June 22, 2017

Best photo booth to make out in

on June 22, 2017

Best jukebox

on June 22, 2017

Best karaoke

on June 22, 2017

Best magician

on June 22, 2017

Best of Chicago 2017: Goods & Services

on June 22, 2017

Best boutique for women

on June 22, 2017

Best boutique for men

on June 22, 2017

Best kids’ clothing

on June 22, 2017

Best local clothing designer

on June 22, 2017

Best local clothing designer

on June 22, 2017

Best local fashion blog or blogger

on June 22, 2017

Best vintage store

on June 22, 2017

Best resale shop

on June 22, 2017

Best shoe store

on June 22, 2017

Best jewelry store

on June 22, 2017

Best eyewear shop

on June 22, 2017

Best bicycle shop

on June 22, 2017

Best record store

on June 22, 2017

Best musical instrument shop

on June 22, 2017

Best bookstore

on June 22, 2017

Best used bookstore

on June 22, 2017

Best comics shop

on June 22, 2017

Best card and stationery store

on June 22, 2017

Best home-improvement company

on June 22, 2017

Best home furnishings

on June 22, 2017

Best garden store

on June 22, 2017

Best florist

on June 22, 2017

Best sex toy shop

on June 22, 2017

Best place to buy local wares

on June 22, 2017

Best indie crafter

on June 22, 2017

Best pet store

on June 22, 2017

Best dog walkers

on June 22, 2017

Best doggie day care

on June 22, 2017

Best veterinarian

on June 22, 2017

Best tattoo shop

on June 22, 2017

Best tattoo artist

on June 22, 2017

Best auto repair shop

on June 22, 2017

Best motorcycle shop

on June 22, 2017

Best dentist

on June 22, 2017

Best general practitioner

on June 22, 2017

Best pediatrician

on June 22, 2017

Best mani/pedi

on June 22, 2017

Best massage

on June 22, 2017

Best barbershop

on June 22, 2017

Best hair salon

on June 22, 2017

Best place to get married

on June 22, 2017

Best hotel

on June 22, 2017

Best apartment finder

on June 22, 2017

Best real estate agent

on June 22, 2017

Best auto dealership

on June 22, 2017

Best used auto dealership

on June 22, 2017

Best smoke shop

on June 22, 2017

Best vape shop

on June 22, 2017

Best medical marijuana dispensary

on June 22, 2017

Best pest control

on June 22, 2017

Best pawn shop

on June 22, 2017

Best moving company

on June 22, 2017

Best western wear

on June 22, 2017

Best of Chicago 2017: City Life

on June 22, 2017

Best Chicagoan to follow on Twitter

on June 22, 2017

Best Instagram account to follow

on June 22, 2017

Best podcast

on June 22, 2017

Best blog

on June 22, 2017

Best Facebook group

on June 22, 2017

Best news site

on June 22, 2017

Best newspaper

on June 22, 2017

Best journalist

on June 22, 2017

Best celebrity

on June 22, 2017

Best view of the city

on June 22, 2017

Best historic building

on June 22, 2017

Best attraction

on June 22, 2017

Best tour

on June 22, 2017

Best Chicago ambassador

on June 22, 2017

Best street character

on June 22, 2017

Best alderman

on June 22, 2017

Best activist

on June 22, 2017

Best power couple

on June 22, 2017

Best lawyer

on June 22, 2017

Best charity

on June 22, 2017

Best LGBTQ organization

on June 22, 2017

Best overall neighborhood

on June 22, 2017

Best neighborhood for nightlife

on June 22, 2017

Best neighborhood for culture

on June 22, 2017

Best neighborhood for affordability

on June 22, 2017

Best neighborhood for diversity

on June 22, 2017

Best neighborhood for schools

on June 22, 2017

Best suburb

on June 22, 2017