The BEST OF SPRINGFIELD was a fresh idea in 1982 when we first asked our readers to identify the best burger in town. In the 27 editions since then we’ve worked to keep it fresh by shaking up categories, asking different questions. As you’ll see over the next 30 pages, there’s plenty to celebrate about the individuals and businesses that call central Illinois home.

How we do it: The ballot was available online and in print for two full weeks. There were 2,500 voters who participated but fewer than 100 used the paper ballot. The best thing about the online balloting is the votes are tallied automatically – and we’re able to confirm one vote per e-mail address – so no one is able to stack the deck for any nominee.

Who put it together? Contributing writers include staffers Amanda Robert, Patrick Yeagle, Fletcher Farrar and Courtney Enlow who were joined by freelance contributors Tom Irwin, Jolonda Young and Job Conger. Many of these individuals contributed photography along with Dave Hine, who also designed most of the ads. Joe Copley is responsible for editorial design layout. Beth Irwin, Tia Schoen and Tauna King do an amazing job on the ad side and Brenda Matheis manages circulation and the business end. I have no doubt that together we are THE BEST OF SPRINGFIELD.

And now a word our ‘sponsors.’ We could not do what we do without the 100 advertisers who send marketing messages through the pages of Illinois Times each week. In these challenging times that confidence in IT is more meaningful than ever.

Enjoy.

Sharon Whalen, publisher

PHOTOS BY PATRICK YEAGLE

Xochimilco

BEST CHIPS & SALSA
Xochimilco Mexican Restaurant 2941 West Iles Ave., 546-3116 3210 Northfield Dr., 544-9206 6901 Preston Dr., 438-1006 We sure love our fajita quesadillas and burrito specials, but Mexican wouldn’t be Mexican without the pre-dinner crunch of chips and salsa. Xochimilco once again dominated in this category, but this year, La Fiesta, Café Brio, Los Agaves and Cancun all received 100 votes or more. Our readers really get behind their chips and salsa and often pick their favorite cantina accordingly. Should chips be salty, oily or crispy? And the salsa — should it be chunky or well-blended, mild or hot? You be the judge. Stop by any of Xochimilco’s three locations, or visit its competitors for some variety.
Runner-up: La Fiesta

BEST MARGARITAS
Xochimilco Mexican Restaurant 2941 West Iles Ave., 546-3116 3210 Northfield Dr., 544-9206 6901 Preston Dr., 438-1006 The perfect compliment to a great Mexican meal is an icy, sweet margarita, and Xochimilco has both. While the drink’s origin is disputed, its ambrosial flavor is not. Xochimilco makes them in original lime, or you can be a little more daring and try the piña colada, peach or strawberry flavors. When one may not be enough, you can order a whole pitcher to accent the awesome free chips and salsa – the perfect way to shake off the weekday drudgery or welcome the weekend. If you’re craving some sweet nectar, head to Xochimilco for a real treat.
Runner-up: La Fiesta

BEST MEXICAN FOOD
Xochimilco Mexican Restaurant 2941 West Iles Ave., 546-3116 3210 Northfield Dr., 544-9206 6901 Preston Dr., 438-1006 Xochimilco is to Springfield as shrimp, chicken, tendered steak and chorizo are to its fiesta fajitas. The longstanding institution belongs here, and year after year, our readers agree. Nearly 450 voters handed first place to the Mexican restaurant, which serves everything from burritos and chimichangas to the enchiladas supreme — five different enchiladas filled with beef, chicken, bean, cheese or beef tips, topped with melted cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream. We’re equally intrigued by the huevos con chorizo, two scrambled eggs with Mexican sausage, served with rice, beans and tortillas. Cost-friendly lunch items, as well as vegetarian combinations, are also available.
Runner-up: La Fiesta