Best of 2016: Dining

JUNE 29, 2016 BY HEATHER LESZCZEWICZ (HTTP://MAKEITBETTER.NET/AUTHOR/HEATHERL/)PRINT (HTTP://MAKEITBETTER.NET/DINING/BEST-OF-2016-DINING/PRINT/)

Make It Better’s Best of 2016 drew more than 168,000 votes across 11 categories. Share yourthoughts with us on social media using the hashtag #Bestof2016.

Best BurgerBest Burger (Suburbs)Edzo’s Burger ShopEdzo’s Burger Shop (http://edzos.com/)

The undisputed suburban burger champ for five years running. 1571 Sherman Ave., Evanston

(http://edzos.com/)

Best Burger (Chicago)Best Burger (Chicago)

Lou Malnati's (Photos courtesy of each winner.)

(Http://Makeitbetter.net) (Http://Makeitbetter.net) !

Au ChevalAu Cheval (http://auchevalchicago.com/)

A burger that will make you salivate and is worth the long wait. 800 W. Randolph St., Chicago

Best Burger (Chain)Best Burger (Chain)Shake ShackShake Shack (https://www.shakeshack.com/)

While burger chains can be hit or miss, you can’t go wrong with these juicy burgers and craveablemilkshakes. Various locations

Best Pizza (Suburbs)Best Pizza (Suburbs)Lou Malnati’sLou Malnati’s (http://www.loumalnatis.com/)

When you think of Chicago pizza, the Lou’s pies are the epitome of deep dish. Various locations

(http://www.loumalnatis.com/)

Best Pizza (Chicago)Best Pizza (Chicago)Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co.Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. (http://chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com/)

Delicious pizza enjoyed amidst an old-school Chicago atmosphere filled with delicious pizza. 2121 N.Clark St., Chicago

Best Cocktail Bar (Suburbs) Best Cocktail Bar (Suburbs) Ward EightWard Eight (http://www.wardeight.com/)

A four-time winner offering stellar cocktails and a speakeasy atmosphere. 629 Howard St., Evanston

Best Cocktail Bar (Chicago)Best Cocktail Bar (Chicago)The AviaryThe Aviary (https://theaviary.com/site/)

Cocktails go beyond simple mixology at The Aviary. Go for the mixology, stay for the experience. 955W. Fulton Market, Chicago

Best BarbecueBest BarbecueSmoque BBQSmoque BBQ (http://smoquebbq.com/)

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 DonutsBest Sweet Bakery (Suburbs) | Best DonutsBennison’s BakeryBennison’s Bakery (http://bennisonscakes.com/)

Bennison’s Bakery repeats as a fan favorite for delectable treats. 1000 Davis St., Evanston

Best Sweet Bakery (Chicago) | Best CupcakesBest Sweet Bakery (Chicago) | Best CupcakesSweet Mandy B’sSweet Mandy B’s (http://sweetmandybs.com/)

We’ll take a dozen cupcakes with dreamy buttercream frosting, and we don’t want to share. 1208 W.Webster Ave., Chicago

(http://sweetmandybs.com/)

Best Bread BakeryBest Bread BakeryHewnHewn (http://hewnbread.com/)

Crusty loaves of bread, flakey pastries … what more could you want? 810 Dempster St., Evanston

(http://hewnbread.com/)

Best Brunch (Suburbs) | Best Neighborhood HangoutBest Brunch (Suburbs) | Best Neighborhood HangoutTen Mile HouseTen Mile House (http://www.tmhevanston.com/)

Choosing what to eat for brunch will be the hardest decision you make all weekend. 1700 Central St.,Evanston

Best Brunch (Chicago)Best Brunch (Chicago)“The Lobby” at the Peninsula Hotel“The Lobby” at the Peninsula Hotel (http://chicago.peninsula.com/en/fine-dining)

If you’re looking for an elegant brunch, this is where it’s at. 108 E. Superior St., Chicago

Best BreakfastBest BreakfastWalker Bros. Pancake HouseWalker Bros. Pancake House (http://walkerbros.net/)

It’s all about the pancakes. Various locations

(http://walkerbros.net/)

Best Gourmet MarketBest Gourmet MarketFoodstuffsFoodstuffs (http://www.foodstuffs.com/)

All the gourmet products, plus in-house creations, you’d want. (Don’t miss their pudding.) Variouslocations

(http://www.foodstuffs.com/)

Best Wine StoreBest Wine Store

Schaefer’s Wines, Foods & SpiritsSchaefer’s Wines, Foods & Spirits (http://schaefers.com/)

Having been around since 1936, these folks knows a thing or two about wine. 9965 Gross Point Road

Best CoffeeBest CoffeeGlenview GrindGlenview Grind (http://www.glenviewgrind.com/)

A great cup of joe with a side of giving back to area nonprofits. We love that. 989 Waukegan Road,Glenview

(http://www.glenviewgrind.com/)

Hippest North Suburban Restaurant | Best Al Fresco DiningHippest North Suburban Restaurant | Best Al Fresco Dining(Suburbs)(Suburbs)Found Kitchen and Social HouseFound Kitchen and Social House (http://www.foundkitchen.com/)

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

(http://www.foundkitchen.com/)

Best Al Fresco Dining (Chicago)Best Al Fresco Dining (Chicago)FIG & OLIVEFIG & OLIVE (http://www.figandolive.com/)

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)Most Romantic Dining (Suburbs)OceaniqueOceanique (http://www.oceanique.com/)

Perfect for date night and a bit of romance. 505 Main St., Evanston

Most Romantic Dining (Chicago)Most Romantic Dining (Chicago)North PondNorth Pond (http://northpondrestaurant.com/)

Nothing says romance like an unparalleled location within Lincoln Park, stunning views of the skylineand a Michelin-starred chef. 2610 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago

(http://northpondrestaurant.com/)

Best Italian (Suburbs) Best Italian (Suburbs) CampagnolaCampagnola (http://campagnolarestaurant.com/)

Find all of your favorite Italian comfort foods with a little bit of modern flair. 815 Chicago Ave.,Evanston

Best Italian (Chicago)Best Italian (Chicago)SpiaggiaSpiaggia (http://www.spiaggiarestaurant.com/)

This three-time Best Of winner serves up four-star Italian food that is both simple and elegant. 980N. Michigan Ave., 2nd floor, Chicago

Best AsianBest AsianKoiKoi (http://koievanston.com/)

Look no further for authentic Chinese cuisine than Koi with its bold flavors and tastes from all overthe region. 624 Davis St., Evanston

(http://koievanston.com/)

Best Grocery StoreBest Grocery StoreMariano’sMariano’s (http://www.marianos.com/)

From organic to prepared offerings, there’s a new grocery leader in town. Various locations

Best Steakhouse (Suburbs) Best Steakhouse (Suburbs) Pete Miller’sPete Miller’s (http://petemillers.com/)

Eat a juicy steak while being serenaded by jazz artists. 1557 Sherman Ave., Evanston

Best Steakhouse (Chicago)Best Steakhouse (Chicago)Gibsons Bar & SteakhouseGibsons Bar & Steakhouse (http://www.gibsonssteakhouse.com/)

Calling all carnivores to this repeat winner in this category. 1028 N. Rush St., Chicago

(http://www.gibsonssteakhouse.com/)

Best Ice Cream Best Ice Cream Homer’s Ice CreamHomer’s Ice Cream (http://homersicecream.com/)

A North Shore staple since the 1930s, a summer wouldn’t be complete without a trip. 1237 Green BayRoad, Wilmette

(http://homersicecream.com/)

Best Mexican/LatinBest Mexican/Latin

Depot NuevoDepot Nuevo (http://depotnuevo.com/)

Grab a margarita while you wait for your pleasingly spicy meal. 1139 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette

Best New Restaurant (Opened Since September 2015)Best New Restaurant (Opened Since September 2015)NapolitaNapolita (http://www.napolitapizza.com/)

Neapolitan-style pizza? Get it fresh from the wood-burning oven. 1126 Central Ave, Wilmette

(http://www.napolitapizza.com/)

Best SandwichBest SandwichNick’s Bar & GrillNick’s Bar & Grill (http://www.nickswilmette.com/)

Sandwiches made from locally sourced, high-quality ingredients make for a happy meal. 1168Wilmette Ave., Wilmette

(http://www.nickswilmette.com/)

Best SushiBest SushiCoastCoast (http://coastsushi.net/)

Bust out the chopsticks for a California roll or a fresh piece of tuna nigiri or a signature roll (WhiteDragon, anyone?). 2545 Prairie Ave., Evanston

Best Juice/SmoothieBest Juice/SmoothiePeeledPeeled (http://peeledjuicebar.com/)

Drink to your health with a daily dose of fruits and veggies. 940 Church St., Evanston

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Paul Galus · Technical Support Specialist 2 at Advocate DreyerLou Malnati's? Really? You need to branch out to Pequod's... and not only eat it whileit's hot, but reheated the next day.Like · Reply · Jul 21, 2016 6:23am

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