Celebrate the Best

Here, dear readers, is what you’ve been waiting for, the Best of Springfi eld as determined by the thousands who voted in our reader poll, including those who were encouraged to vote by BOS wannabes. Yes, there is campaigning for BOS, but not to worry, businesses and bands with the most Facebook friends, and who care most about being recognized as best, are usually the best. This year we slowed attempts at ballot stuffi ng by requiring a legitimate email address for every voter. We don’t tell the winners they’ve won until publication, even though some may have a hunch when we ask to take their picture because they’re a “fi nalist.” That’s how we do the BOS.

The result is a fun recognition of a lot of the good that goes on here – food, music and entertainment, businesses, people and places. We always ask readers to vote local and this year they got it, naming homegrown businesses over chains and big boxes nearly every time. The Local First campaign is having its effect. We try to switch up the categories from year to year. This year we added several new ones, including place to furnish your home, craft beer selection, knowledgeable bartender, pet groomer and veterinarian. If you have a category you’d like to see included next year, send a note to editor@illinoistimes.com.

Thanks to our readers, who endorse this project by their participation, and to our advertisers, who keep our business going. Thanks to our BOS reporters – Zach Baliva, Tom Irwin, Bruce Rushton, Scott Faingold and Patrick Yeagle – who combine cleverness and research to write up the results. Trevor Miller, Patrick Yeagle and Dave Hine were our photographers. Our sales staff – Beth Irwin, Tia Schoen, Teri Hill and James Bengfort – did the big job of getting our clients’ ads into this popular issue. Brenda Matheis, business manager, will send out the bills and get us paid, and Irma Wallace has put together the winners’ plaques. Editorial assistant Nan Bulli copyedits and writes the weekly calendar. Joe Copley and Dave Hine, our crack production team, created the ads and articles and assembled them into a newspaper and our web edition. And thanks to our drivers who will deliver this extra-thick edition to our 498 distribution locations in and around Springfi eld.

Now, settle in and enjoy our reader picks of the Best that Springfi eld has to offer.

–Fletcher Farrar, editor and publisher

BEST OUTDOOR DINING BEST DOWNTOWN DINING BEST BREWED IN ILLINOIS BEER

Obed & Isaac’s 500 South Sixth Street, 670-0627 BOS voters have spoken: Springfield’s oldest microbrewery is still its best. Obed & Isaac’s has been cranking out great beer in Abe Lincoln’s neighborhood since the Conn family repurposed the Booth-Grunendike house and Obed Lewis’ carriage house in 2011. Reader favorites include light ales like the Ditzy Blonde and seasonal brews like Blackberry Wheat or the pumpkin Jack-O-Ale. And, hey, the food is pretty great, too. Try the bacon-wrapped smoked meatloaf or fig pizza...and is there anywhere else in town that serves Poutine? It’s easy to see why Obed’s won best outdoor dining this year – their large (and dog friendly) space between the restaurant and the newly opened Wm. Van’s Coffee House features picnic tables, fire pits, an outdoor bar, bean bag toss and two bocce ball courts. Runners-up Best Outdoor Dining: Dublin Pub, Julia’s Kitchen & Lounge Runners-up Best Downtown Dining: Maldaner’s, Saputo’s Runners-up Best Brewed in Illinois Beer: Rolling Meadows, Engrained

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BEST CHILI

The Chili Parlor

820 South Ninth Street Same recipe, new name. But no matter what you call it, The Chili Parlor has been the Springfield spot for chili since Joe Rogers opened his business in 1945. After a brief hiatus and a contract dispute or two, daughter Marianne reopened the family business this summer to the delight of her many regular customers who have grown accustomed to getting their usual fix catered to their level of heat tolerance. The scale goes from mild, to medium, to medium with a touch of hot, to medium hot, to hot, all the way up to the infamous “firebrand,” which is definitely not for the faint of heart. Regular patrons know there are even more options. Ask for extra oil, no oil, light beans, no meat, or onions and cheese. And remember – in Springfield, chili is spelled with just one “l”. Runners-up: Dew Chili Parlor, Dublin Pub

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BEST GYROS

Gyros Stop

2907 South MacArthur Boulevard, 698-6463 2345 West Monroe, 546-3442 4127 Wabash, 546-8830 Springfield is full of traditions, and a new one seems to be voting Gyros Stop to our BOS. This marks the Greek eatery’s sixth time on the list, and the honor is well deserved. The classic gyro (pronounced “yee-ro”) is just $5.75 and comes loaded with tomato, onion and tzatziki sauce accompanying a huge pile of succulent and seasoned gyro meat. If you’re not a big fan of tradition, fear not – other versions like the BBQ or western gyro are sure to hit the spot, or try a gyro burger or the many Greek specialties like spanakopita (spinach pie), saganaki (Flaming Cheese), or baklava. Believe it or not, they even serve gyro horseshoes…this is Springfield, after all. Runners-up: Yanni’s Gyros, Chi Town’s Finest on Jefferson

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT

China Star

1899 East Sangamon Avenue, 789-0800 Head on to the north side to find what our BOS readers say is the best Chinese food around. With a long menu ranging from Thai to Cantonese, there’s no shortage of choices. In fact, China Star has more than 150 offerings like Crazy Noodle (stir-fried wild rice noodle), and Chow Gai Kew (breaded chicken in brown sauce). There’s nothing flashy about the place, but they consistently crank out crowd-pleasing plates that you can rely on like Mongolian Beef and the Hot & Sour Soup. Vegetarian options also available. Runners-up: Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet, Hunan Chinese Restaurant

BEST ROMANTIC DINING BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Bella Milano, 4525 Wabash Avenue, 547-0011 The lights are low, the music is soft and the décor is fashionable, making Bella Milano Springfield’s favorite place for a first date or an anniversary dinner. From start to finish, the food is fantastic from a simple house salad dressed up by Milano’s tasty homemade dressing, to pizzas made with original dough and sauces and then fired in a brick oven. Although you can’t go wrong with Italian staples like lasagna or baked mostaccioli, think about going for the veal and portabella ravioli or a mouthwatering meat dish like Bella Milano’s pepperloin. It’s an eight-ounce fillet rolled in cracked pepper and marinated all day long before the chef pan-sears and serves it for your enjoyment.

Runners-up Best Romantic Dining: Nick & Nino’s, American Harvest Runners-up Best Italian Restaurant: Saputo’s, III Tomassos Italian Bistro

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

Gateway to India, 3115 Chatham Road, 726-6890

We know, we know, it can be hard to venture out and try new things. But trust us, Gateway is the perfect place for lovers of ethnic foods and newbies alike. The food is authentic and flavorful but not overpowering, and beginners will find a wait staff willing to answer questions along with a lunch buffet that makes sampling many dishes easy. Try Bombay’s famous street food, the aloo papri chaat or kadhaai stir-fried with vegetables. The menu is quite large, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed, go with the mutter panner. The trusty staple of any Indian menu, it’s a dish with peas and cheese in tomato and onion gravy served with naan or other Indian bread. Gateway to India is closed on Monday. Runner-up: Flavor of India

BEST BBQ

Smokey Bones

2660 South Dirksen Parkway, 528-6410 There’s no shortage of BBQ joints in town, but this year, our readers have hand-picked Smokey Bones fare as the very best the city has to offer. Their secret? Slow roasting the juicy meat over hickory wood in two in-house cookers. Smokey Bones has many platter options, but purists will opt for the hand-pulled pork, cooked for nine hours, seasoned and served up for your mouthwatering enjoyment. Bring a wet wipe or two. Runners-up: Hickory River, McCormick’s

BEST PIZZA

Gabatoni’s

300 East Laurel, 528-9629 It’s one of those hometown restaurants that you just can’t do without. Sure, the dining room is crowded and the wait staff is often sassy, but take one step inside Gabatoni’s and you feel right at home. The oven-cooked dough has a nice cornmeal undercoating and the pies come in 7, 12 and 16-inch diameters. There are plenty of standard build-your-own options along with specialties like bacon chicken alfredo and the famous EBA – everything but anchovies. The taco pizza is delicious, but use a fork…it’s piled high with meat, tomatoes, black olives, lettuce and cheese and served with sour cream and salsa. Runners-up: Coz’s Pizza and Pub, Bernie and Betty’s Pizza

BEST MADE-IN-ILLINOIS WINE

Hill Prairie Winery

23753 Lounsberry Road, Oakford, 635-9900 To find the best locally produced wine, you have to venture a bit outside of the city, 31.1 miles northwest from the Old State Capitol, to be exact. But we promise it will be worth the trip. There you’ll find Hill Prairie Winery, the family vineyard surrounded by a lush landscape and a 100-year-old barn that together make the perfect backdrop for enjoying a fine bottle of Illinois wine while listening to local music or attending one of many annual festivals. Popular selections from the Lounsberry family include Chardonel, Vignoles, Prairie Dew, Prairie Sunshine, Crimson Moon and Autumn Spice. Runners-up: Danenberger Family Vineyard, Walnut Street

BEST MEAL UNDER $10 BEST BREAKFAST BEST SUNDAY BRUNCH BEST RESTAURANT WHERE KIDS EAT FREE

Charlie Parker’s, 100 North Street, 241-2104 If you’re looking for one of those places where everybody knows your name, then head on over to the Quonset hut on North Street for a hot meal at one of Springfield’s favorite eateries. During busy times, you’ll have to wade through a gaggle of regular customers, but Mike and Cindy Murphy and their friendly staff are always ready to serve up a hot cup of coffee and perennial favorites like the breakfast horseshoe (egg on toast topped with meat, and gravy or cheese sauce with hash browns or fries) or tater tots loaded with bacon and cheese sauce. With affordable breakfast options and lunch specials around $7, you just can’t go wrong. Kids 3 and under eat free with a paid adult meal. Open Monday through Saturday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Runners-up Best Meal Under $10: Chaditos, Café Moxo Runners-up Best Breakfast: Sunrise Café, Le Peep Runners-up Best Sunday Brunch: Mariah’s, Obed & Isaac’s Runners-up Best Restaurant Where Kids Eat Free: Steak N Shake, Casa Real

BEST HORSESHOE

D’Arcy’s Pint

661 West Stanford Avenue, 492-8800 Some things in Springfield are so predictable. You’ll hit all the red lights on South Grand, at least one local football team will win State, and you’ll find yourself driving to D’Arcy’s if you’re in the mood for the best horseshoe around. D’Arcy’s does horseshoes right. It’s your choice of meat or veggies spilled out atop Texas toast, loaded up with fries, and topped with a huge helping of traditional or spicy homemade cheese sauce. Feeling extra hungry? Try the supreme. That’s ground beef, tomatoes, bacon and scallions under spicy cheese sauce served with a side of hot sauce. We’re not sure exactly what makes D’Arcy’s shoes the best around, but our theory is that it has something to do with that secret cheese sauce. IT reader Tony agrees. “That cheese sauce makes me so happy,” he says. “Can I have a to-go quart-sized container of it?” Good luck, Tony. It’s worth a try!

Runners-up: Dublin Pub, Corner Pub

BEST FISH FRY

Carter’s Fish Market

1900 South Grand Avenue East, 525-2571 It’s a neighborhood fish fry! It might not look like much, but pull over on South Grand and stop on by the unassuming green fish stand known to the locals as Carter’s Fish Market. You’ll hear the sizzle of walleye, catfish and other lake-dwellers as cooks prepare huge to-go portions topped with extras like river fries, hush puppies or cole slaw by request. Like our readers say, at Carter’s, prices are low, helpings are big, and the taste is outta this world. Runners-up: Firefighters’ Club, Little Flower

BEST BURGER

Burger Bar, 2765 South Sixth Street, 528-9030

Whether you pick a house specialty or build your own, you can’t go wrong at the Burger Bar, Doug and Karen Kent’s inviting burger joint on South Sixth Street. It’s a friendly and relaxing neighborhood-type spot perfect for catching a game on TV or meeting up with friends. Favorites include the Black & Bleu Burger and the Cowboy Burger – a juicy beef patty topped with BBQ and onion rings. The homemade chips are crispy, and pretzel bun upgrades offer a little something extra to the build-your-own options. Swing by on game day...the Burger Bar has great daily deals and food and drink specials on NFL Sundays. Runners-up: Krekel’s, Arlington’s

BEST ICE CREAM

Cold Stone Creamery, 124 South Sixth Street, 523-6666

What’s not to love about Cold Stone? No matter if you rely on their signature creations or build your own, it’s easy to find something to satisfy that sweet tooth of yours. We’re a little embarrassed to admit how much time we spent downtown…um…”researching” for this entry. After much work (somebody had to do it) we narrowed our favorites down to three. The Peanut Butter Cup Perfection (chocolate ice cream with peanut butter, Reese’s cups and fudge), Coffee Lovers Only (coffee ice cream with almonds, Heath Bars and caramel), and The Pie Who Loved Me (cheesecake ice cream with Oreos, graham cracker pie crust and fudge). It’s like Mel Gibson said in that one movie: “They may take our lives, but they’ll never take our ice cream!” Runners-up: Baskin Robbins, Krekel’s Custard

BEST PORK TENDERLOIN

Sportsman’s Lounge

229 West Mason, 492-1110 Where else? Sportsman’s Lounge is the place in town for a big, juicy tenderloin. The no-frills Mason place offers plenty of variations on this Midwest classic. Get it grilled or breaded in a salad, regular or buffalo-style as a horseshoe or try the full-size standard for about $9 (with a half portion for $7). If you’re digging in for the big boy, come hungry. The thinly sliced pork monstrosity hangs over the edges of the plate. Swipe an extra bun for $1, and enjoy! Runners-up: D’Arcy’s Pint, Dublin Pub

BEST MEAT MARKET

Humphrey’s Market, 1820 S. 15th St., 544-7445

What can you say about a store founded in 1932 and still residing in its original location in 2014? Humphrey’s is the epitome of the old-school meat market. As one voter put it, there’s “nothing like a good, old-fashioned butcher to answer questions,” and Humphrey’s prides itself on friendly and knowledgeable customer service as well as an effortlessly nostalgic atmosphere, not to mention what one reader describes as “wonderful sales and everyday prices.” Runners-up: Country Market, Turasky’s

BEST PLACE TO GET CHEAP DRINKS

Blue Grouch Pub, 510 W. Maple Ave., 527-8395 Truth be told, we have found cheaper drinks elsewhere – dank, smelly places with rippling indoor-outdoor carpeting, cigarette burns on Formica bars and denizens still puffing away, despite the state smoking ban, while staring solemnly downward into translucent plastic cups bearing such concoctions as Captain Morgan and Mountain Dew, with no one paying a wit’s bit of attention to “Dancing With The Stars” as the program unfolds silently on a not-very-big flatscreen television while the jukebox blares trash from a country music flash-in-the-pan who will be forgotten in five years, and good riddance. These are the places where no one knows your name, or wants to, and it is better that way, at least in a place like this. The Blue Grouch is not a place like this. The drinks are affordable and both the clientele and staff amiable. The décor is minimalist, with most everything – posters, lights, clocks – having come from a beer or liquor company. There’s live music on weekends with $1 beer specials, and certain brands of beer sell for as little as 50 cents per can on some nights. Well drinks typically go for $1.75 when the Cardinals are playing. Runners-up: Curve Inn, Brewhaus

BEST BREAD AND PASTRIES BEST DESSERTS

Incredibly Delicious 925 South Seventh Street, 528-8548 Springfield natives know there’s only one place to go for the very best in pastries, breads, cakes and other goodies – Incredibly Delicious. Good luck deciding what to eat on the spot and what to take home. Patrick and Co. hand-make baguettes and bread every morning (try the challah or pepper parmesan), and then move on to the sweet treats like their decadent tarts, cakes and cookies. Stop in for hot cappuccino, artisanal breads, European desserts, and maybe even an impromptu French lesson. Runners-up Bread and pastries: Panera, Hy-Vee Runners-up Desserts: Cold Stone Creamery, Café Moxo

BEST VEGETARIAN 

Holy Land Diner

106 West Cook Street, 544-5786 If you’ve been to the State Fairgrounds Farmers Market recently, there’s a good chance you’ve bumped into Afaf Rashmawy selling a selection of Holy Land’s well-known Greek and Lebanese food. Their meat dishes are delicious, too, but for the vegetarians among us, there’s no better place in town. That’s because of the many options Rashmawy provides, from tabouli to baba ghannouge. If you like it as much of our BOS voters, there’s good news. Holy Land sells many items in bulk and offers occasional cooking classes at their Vinegar Hill location. Check Facebook for times. Holy Land has a daily lunch buffet and dinner buffets on Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday. Runners-up: American Harvest, Noodles and Company

BEST CHEF

Michael Higgins, Maldaner’s, 222 South Sixth Street, 522-4313

Michael Higgins came to town more than 30 years ago to work at Maldaner’s and in 1995 became the historic downtown restaurant’s fifth owner. While many know him for an elegant and elaborate menu (stuffed quail and pistachio-crusted wild salmon) and his dedication to local ingredients (food from local orchards and farms), he’s actually quite the mover and shaker on the local scene. He lectures at Lincoln Land, sits on the board of the Green Business Network, and is running for alderman in Springfield’s seventh ward. Higgins is always one to try a new idea both inside and outside the kitchen. He once convinced a local farmer to grow fava beans for Maldaner’s recipes. In 2012, he opened his own rooftop garden and beehives, to which he later added solar panels. This year, Higgins brought another innovation to Springfield when he imported the “parklet” street-side dining concept from his native San Francisco. Runners-up: Jordan Coffey - American Harvest, Julia Hunter – Julia’s Kitchen & Lounge

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Xochimilco, 2941 West Iles Avenue, 546-3116

3210 Northfield Drive, 544-9206, 6901 Preston Drive, 483-1006 With three locations, a great lunch menu, awesome desserts like sopapilla and xochimi, vegetarian plates, and 13 combos, it’s no wonder that Xochimilco makes the BOS again this year. It’s fresh, tasty and authentic in a part of the country where real Mexican can be hard to find. It’s hard to pass up huevos con chorizzo and chili Colorado (beef in red chili sauce), but our choice is the tri-color burrito – a huge tortilla filled with meat and covered in red ranchero, melted cheese and green tomatillo sauce. Runners-up: Casa Real, La Fiesta

BEST WINGS

Westwoods Lodge, 2406 West Jefferson, 698-9256

It’s a shame that you don’t hear more about Westwoods. The hunting-themed bar and restaurant just off of Veterans Parkway is serving up some of the most inventive fare around. We had the tackle box, a pick three (ours was gator, frog legs and fried clams) appropriately served in…you guessed it…a tackle box. But we’re here to talk about wings. Simply put, these are handsdown the best wings we’ve sampled in town. Like most places, they serve up traditional or boneless but what sets Westwoods apart is a bevy of interesting choices. The buffalo bleu (buffalo wings drizzled with blue cheese) were amazing, and next time we plan to try Asian ginger and garlic parmesan. Runners-up: Buffalo Wild Wings, Show Me’s

BEST RESTAURANT OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Old Luxemburg Inn, 1900 South 15th Street, 528-0503

In the day of chain restaurants and franchise locations, the Old Lux stands out as a blast from the past. Most people in town have fond memories of this local haunt, which opened its doors in 1938. And all these years later, they’re still serving up great standards at a good price. There on South 15 th you’ll discover great meat and seafood options. The Old Lux is one of the few places in town that still serves fried clams, and both their steak and fried chicken dinners are among the best around. Getting the lobster tail? Try it fried. Runners-up: Arlington’s, Abe’s Hideout

BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT BEST SUSHI

Osaka Japanese Restaurant, 1665 Wabash Avenue, 726-8037 Osaka is like two great restaurants in one. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just up for a fun floor show, turn left upon entry and take a seat on the hibachi side, where hilarious and talented chefs will juggle utensils, toss food in the air, and amuse you as they cook up a wide array of meats, veggies and seafood. Or, if it’s sushi you’re looking for, turn right and treat yourself to some yellowtail, eel, shrimp and other selections from a la carte and combo menus. Osaka has classic rolls like spider, avocado or spicy tuna, and more options from salad and Thai sections. Another strength is an elaborate drink menu. Wine is just $3 on Wednesdays with specialty drinks and martinis listed at $4 each Thursday. Call ahead for reservations, as this trendy Springfield hotspot fills up fast. Runners-up Best Japanese Restaurant: Kiku, Mimosa Runners-up Best Sushi: Happy Sushi, Hunan

BEST WEDDING ENTERTAINMENT

The Shenanigans

http://www.shenanigansentertainment.com/ An earthy phrase like “talent coming out their ears” could be a little offputting if taken literally but we’re going to assume it was made in the spirit of a compliment, as it came to us through a voter comment in favor of The Shenanigans, the dynamic and popular six-piece cover band, specializing in an eclectic mix of styles from the past half-century. Runners-up: Hipbone Sam, Schroeder’s DJ Service

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Chesapeake Seafood House

3045 Clear Lake Drive, 522-5220 Talk about a great place for a meal. Chesapeake makes its home in an 1800s mansion on five acres across from Bergen Park. And don’t let the name fool you – they have more than just seafood. You can choose from the finest cuts of meat in addition to fresh seafood from around the world. Show up for a host of early bird specials or come at dinnertime for special catches, shrimp plates and fried treats. Or go for succulent lobster tail, or crab-stuffed mushrooms (perfect with a warm bowl of baked French onion soup). The Chef’s Choice is Oysters Rockefeller…12 oysters with spinach bacon cream sauce and cheese. And be sure to request the dessert menu, where you’ll be tempted by turtle pie, death by chocolate, and other rich indulgences. Runners-up: Carter’s Fish Market, Old Luxemburg Inn

BEST FULL-TIME BUFFET

Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet

2309 South MacArthur Boulevard, 698-6033 The first thing most people notice at Hibachi Grill is its size. The place is huge! And that means they have plenty of room for food. There you’ll find a seemingly endless selection of Asian and American cuisine with everything from crab rangoon and sushi to chicken nuggets and mac & cheese. There’s so much food that it would be impossible to sample it all in just one sitting, but it sure is fun to try. Carry out options available. Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Runners-up: Hy-Vee, Holy Land Diner

BEST CATERER

Nelson’s, 3005 Great Northern Rd., 787-9443

When it comes to catered events, the popularity of Nelson’s would be hard to underestimate as they hold onto top honors here once again. Whether or not this is due to their continuing deployment of the unique “Port-a-Pit” cooker is anyone’s guess, but voter comments indicate that a sterling record of punctuality and “FANTASTIC food, FABULOUS people!” (caps and punctuation retained from original) certainly can’t have hurt. Runners-up: Hamilton’s, 5 Flavors

BEST THAI RESTAURANT

Magic Kitchen, 115 North Lewis Street, 525-6975

4112 North Peoria Road, 525-2230 Like many places on this year’s BOS, Magic Kitchen is all about the Springfield experience. Approach the small and remote Peoria Road location, and you may find a line of hipsters clamoring for a table. Look around, and each group will have their own random six-pack. That’s because it’s one of the city’s few remaining BYOB establishments (and remember, it’s cash only). But on to the food, which is the reason for all the buzz. Over the years, Magic Kitchen has created a loyal following not just among those who grew up attending nearby Springfield High, but with many in the capital city for their fine authentic Thai food. They serve all the regular entrees and vegetarian dishes, of course, and we recommend the garlic and white pepper pork or chicken, which comes mild, mild+, medium or hot. Hours vary by location. Runners-up: Little Saigon, Thai Kitchen 2

BEST WEDDING CAKES

Incredibly Delicious, 925 S. 7th St., 528-8548

“No one else can match” the wedding cakes of Incredibly Delicious, according to the words of one of many enthusiastic voters who helped the shop earn this title for another year. Melanie Dineen once again received specific reader praise as well for her “wonderful” cake designs. The family-owned and operated Incredibly Delicious (motto: “The name says it all”) will be celebrating its 20 th anniversary in 2015 and remains a favorite spot for lunch and specialty pastries. Runners-up: Specialty Cakes, Sugar Jar

BEST SUB/SANDWHICH SHOP

Head West Sub Stop

1124 West Jefferson, 793-9101 530 East Capitol, 789-9101 3311 Robbins Drive, 726-9202 1281 Toronto Road, 585-7990 2432 Denver Drive, 744-7990 7032 Kings Mill Court, 670-0111 450 State Street, Rochester (inside Phillips 66 Station), 498-1182 136 South Oakland, Decatur, 791-6718 What a great local success story. It seems that every time BOS rolls round, Head West is on the list, and we always have to add a new location as they continue to grow. This year it’s no different, thanks to the sub shop’s new digs in Decatur. It’s a simple menu of regular and specialty subs with some standouts like the hummus (choice D) and reuben (A) along with brownies, Ben & Jerry’s, Jones Sodas and other goodies. It’s hard to find a good, healthy, fast meal that doesn’t break the bank, but Head West fits the bill. Pick 2 (a half sub, salad or soup) is still just six bucks! Runners-up: Jimmy John’s, Penn Station

BEST AUTO SALESPERSON

Walter Skube, Landmark Ford

2401 Prairie Crossing Drive, 725-0642 Walt Skube originally started at Landmark Ford back in ’86, left for a while and came back in 2006. Since then he has cultivated a loyal base of customers who put him at the top of this category. “All my customers are my family,” he says. “My customers come first each and every time.” The feeling seems to be mutual, as our voters made comments calling Walt “a great guy” who “always gives you a great deal.” Runners-up: Mylas Copeland - Green Toyota, Ed Selinger - Honda of Illinois

BEST SOUVENIR/TOURIST STORE

Del’s Popcorn, 213 S 6th St., 544-0037

Del’s Popcorn got its start in Decatur 80 years ago, and opened its first location in Springfield in 1980. Known for the quality and variety of its flavored corn, Del’s is hugely popular among our voters. Comments included, but were not limited to, “love love love this place,” “great popcorn and lots of things to choose from,” “always buy flavored popcorn from them,” and the blunt “I like the flavored popcorn there.”

However, one reader comment may have summed it up best: “Yum.” Runners-up: Penny Lane Gifts, Lincoln Presidential Museum gift shop/Lincoln’s Home Sstore

BEST EVENT VENUE

Erin’s Pavilion

4965 S. Second St., 585-2941 Erin’s Pavilion takes top honors in this category once more. Under the auspices of the Park District, it is one of the most progressively accoutered structures in the area (the building is LEED certified as green and was built expressly to serve the needs of the disabled) and the Southwind Park location makes it among the most aesthetically pleasing as well. It’s an understandably popular spot for all kinds of social occasions, from weddings to galas to banquets. Runners-up: Boondocks, Firefighters Lake Club

BEST PET BOARDING

Dal Acres West

2508 W. Jefferson, 793-3647 Pets are nothing less than family members to the people who love them and the choice of who to trust with their care can be agonizing. Trust is foremost when deciding where to board those four-legged friends, and Dal Acres West certainly seems to have earned the trust of our voters. Described as “treating each pet as if it was their own” and singled out for praise of the cleanliness of the facility, the quality of individual attention and reasonable prices. One reader seemed to say it all: “My puppy is always happy to go and happy to see me when I get back.” Runners-up: Kinner Kennels, Laketown Animal Clinic

BEST VETERINARIAN

Dr. Franklin Coble, DVM, Coble Animal Hospital

2828 S MacArthur Blvd., 789-4200 Coble Animal Hospital received high marks from many of our readers, and Dr. Coble himself was the clear winner in this category. Dr. Coble grew up watching his father – veterinarian and Coble Animal Hospital founder J. Porter Coble – care for animals and the younger Coble has been on the hospital staff for 44 years, plenty of time for him to amass the skills and goodwill to keep his human customers happy and his furry patients healthy. Runners-up: Dr. J. Christopher Curry, Laketown Animal Hospital, Chatham Veterinary Clinic

BEST BIKE SHOP

Ace Bike Shop

2500 S. MacArthur Blvd., 523-0188 With almost half a century in business, Ace Bike Shop is known to Springfield cyclists for reliably excellent sales and service. Our voters gave the Ace staff high marks for knowledge, friendliness and workmanship, with several mentioning the shop’s reasonable prices. Ace’s dedication goes beyond finding the right bikae for each rider. It is just as important to maximize the quality of its customers’ post-purchase biking experience. Runners-up: R&M Cyclery, Bike Tek

BEST SEAFOOD MARKET

Robert’s Seafood Market, 1615 Jefferson, 546-3089

For more than a century, Robert’s has been supplying fish, shrimp, crab, lobster and other aquatic delight to the landlocked seafood lovers of Springfield. The family-owned favorite came in for voluminous praise from our voters for its well-informed, helpful staff, large selection and home delivery service. Robert’s makes a point of dealing with ethical vendors, all the better to make the world a better place for future generations of seafood connoisseurs. Runners-up: Carter’s, Hy-Vee

BEST THRIFT STORE

Goodwill, Various locations, 789-0400

Land of Lincoln Goodwill is part of nonprofit network Goodwill International, which has 164 affiliates and somewhere near 25,000 retail outlets throughout the U.S. and Canada. The name Goodwill is synonymous with quality resale clothing and other household items and the three locations in Springfield are always abuzz with bargain seekers on the lookout for that once-in-a-lifetime deal. Runners-up: Remarkable Resale, Habitat for Humanity’s Restore

BEST BANK

United Community Bank

301 N. Main St. Chatham, 483-2491 Various locations Locally owned and operated, UCB maintains its primacy this year. This is no doubt due to the personal relationships the institution maintains with its fiercely loyal customer base. Its voters describe the staff as “down-home people” and crowed about “great customer service.” Founded in 1907, United Community Bank has assets of approximately $1.5 billion and operates in nine Illinois counties (and one in Missouri). UCB prides itself on the fact that it remains beholden only to its customers rather than any out-of-state entity. Runners-up: Bank of Springfield, Marine Bank

BEST HOTEL

Crowne Plaza

3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, 529-7777 It’s a bit of a drive to get to the Crowne Plaza from the heart of the city, but well worth the trip – and it is hard to criticize a hotel company for building a hotel just off Interstate 55. The food is consistently excellent and there is a certain lavishness to the place that makes you feel like you’re in a much larger city. It is the place to stay for folks who demand comfort, cleanliness and style. Runners-up: Hilton, President Abraham Lincoln Springfield Hotel

BEST NONPROFIT

Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, 544-7387(PETS) The Animal Protective League has long been Fido’s best friend. Whether you are a pit bull or a poodle or a pug, the staff and volunteers at APL will love you just the way you are, unless you’re equipped to create more pit bulls, poodles, pugs and all breeds in between. And so the APL has instituted an aggressive spay/neuter program that has fixed more than 90,000 cats and dogs since 2007, with cats and pit bulls in certain areas eligible for free spaying or neutering. It’s a commonsense approach that has made APL the go-to place for animal shelters throughout central Illinois that send dogs and cats to Springfield to get fixed. It’s also a great place to adopt a cat or dog, and there never seems to be a shortage, which has prompted APL to make plans for a mobile adoption facility enclosed in a 30- foot trailer that would travel to community events and wherever else prospective owners might be. Runners-up: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Illinois Capital Region, Central Illinois Foodbank

BEST JEWELRY STORE

Denney Jewelers

2901 Wabash Ave., 787-0500 The hands-down winner in this category, Denney Jewelers scored high marks with our voters. “The best place to go,” said one reader. “Ask for Bruce!” Others spoke of the stellar service, wide array of choices, and the fact that the store is gay-friendly. “They go the extra mile on everything,” one voter said. Runners-up: Giganti & Giganti, AB Lauer Jewelers

BEST REALTOR

Jami Winchester, The Real Estate Group 3701 Wabash Ave., 306-1000 “Jami is the epitome of professionalism,” said one voter of 17-year real estate veteran Jami Winchester, who takes home first place honors for the second year in a row. Other voters noted Jami’s honesty and people skills. In the words of another reader, “Jami rocks!” Runners-up: Kyle Killebrew - Real Estate Group, Jim Fulgenzi and Co.

BEST VIDEO GAMBLING SPOT 

Lucy’s Place, Multiple locations

Lucy’s Place has it all when it comes to the serious gambler, which is to say, not much at all. Just a couple fridges filled with soda and beer, a television playing with the volume set low, one employee and a few pub tables. Plus, of course, five video gambling machines at each of six Springfield locations, with each place typically ending up with at least $40,000 from gamblers during any given month before the state and city take their respective cuts, according to Illinois State Gaming Board records. That puts Lucy’s Place in the upper tier of moneymakers from video gambling in Springfield, which has the densest concentration of video gambling machines outside casinos in the entire state – we’re number one in something, at least. At Lucy’s Place, you don’t have to worry about talking to other people or getting distracted by the smell of food or the sight of decorations on the walls or the excitement that can grip a barroom during the seventh game of a World Series or Stanley Cup. Instead, it’s designed for people whose first priority is staring into screens while incessantly pressing “Max Bet” buttons in hopes of striking it rich. Runners-up: Barrel Head, Butternut Hut

BEST PET GROOMER

Bow Wow Barbershop

441 North Dirksen Parkway, 528-9540 Sure, your dog has proper medical care and somewhere safe to stay when you have to leave town, but how does Fido look? While an unkempt pup isn’t the worst faux pas on the books, sometimes it’s best to leave the grooming to the professionals. At Bow Wow Barbershop your pet can receive bathing, nail clipping, ear care and flea care or even “full spa treatment.” Our voters mentioned the staff’s friendliness and reasonable fees, singling out Heather for special praise and mentioning the “fun pictures” of the animals once they’ve been gussied up. Runners-up: Bubbles of Fun, Suds & Pups

BEST AUTO REPAIR

Wilkerson’s Service Center

2840 Stevenson Dr, 529-0292 “My choice for the last three decades,” states one loyal voter, who has been with Wilkerson’s almost since its founding in 1982. Trustworthy, efficient car repair is hard to come by and Wilkerson’s gets high marks in all areas, singled out by other readers as “honest,” and offering “fair prices, excellent quality and personal service.” Wilkerson’s has locations in Rochester and Chatham and is also noted for its competitively priced selection of tires. Runners-up: Floyd Imports, Zara Collision

BEST GARDEN CENTER

AppleBarn

2290 E. Walnut, Chatham, 483-6236 AppleBarn in Chatham earned praise from our readers for their friendly and knowledgeable staff as well as their delicious apple cider slushies. In addition to freshly picked fruits and vegetables in season (and Christmas trees and items in the winter) AppleBarn is popular for its snacks and pastries (including freshly made fudge and apple pie) and also acts as a nursery, selling flowers, plants and gardening supplies. Runners-up: Farmers Market, Buckley’s

BEST APARTMENTS

Lincoln Square Apartments, 521 East Monroe, 528-5400

“It used to be Springfield’s version of ‘Melrose Place,’” recalls one former denizen who counts the years he spent at Lincoln Square as among the happiest of his 30-something life. “Three a.m. pool parties were the norm. There were several incidents of nudity. It was a fabulous place to live if you were 25 to 35. Then they brought in a bunch of families and ruined the place.” That may or may not be true, but Lincoln Square remains one of the city’s premier places to live if you hate mortgages and mowing grass. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s easy walking distance to watering holes, the Capitol, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, Prairie Capital Convention Center and the downtown farmers market. Rents are a bit more than some places, sure, but it’s worth it. Options range from 750-square-foot one-bedroom units to two-story townhouses with two bedrooms and 1,100 square feet of space. Runners-up: Lake Pointe Apartments, Chatham Hills Apartments

BEST NEW CAR DEALER and BEST PRE-OWNED CAR DEALER

Green Hyundai, 1200 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 525-1370 Wide selection and excellent service (of both the customer and automotive varieties) are the keys to the huge popularity of Green Hyundai, which took top honors in both the new and pre-owned car categories this year. One reader commented that they “could not ask for a quicker, more efficient car dealership” while salespeople Richard Bailey, Justin List and John McCarthy III were each singled out for special praise by voters.

Runners-up (new): Isringhausen Imports, Landmark Ford Runners-up (pre-owned): Bob Ridings, Isringhausen Imports

BEST WINERY

Hill Prairie Winery

23753 Lounsberry Rd., Oakford, 635-9900 Hill Prairie Winery has become renowned for its free Sunday concerts as well as the idyllic country surroundings, which is not to imply that the wine itself is an afterthought. Far from it. Our readers gave particularly high marks to their peach sangria and it should be noted that all of the Hill Prairie wines entered in the 2010 Illinois commercial wine competition walked away with medals. The message: Come for the music and atmosphere, stay for the delicious wine. Runners-up: Danenberger Family Vineyards, Walnut Street Winery

BEST MUSEUM

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum 112 N. Sixth Street, 557-4588 Ten years after it opened, the ALPLM remains a must-see for out-of-towners and natives alike. Even if you’ve already seen the permanent exhibits, there have been temporary ones such as an exhibition of photographs by Annie Leibovitz that is spectacularly beautiful. The facility draws such scholars as Doris Kearns Goodwin and Harold Holzer and such celebrities as Daniel Day-Lewis, who toured the facility to prepare for his performance in the 2012 movie Lincoln, directed by Steven Spielberg. But let’s be honest. There is reason to be concerned about this museum that deserves love that it hasn’t gotten from the state, which has been skimping on funding for years while the number of historians and preservationists at the museum has dwindled. More than four million visitors since opening day is something to celebrate, sure, but lawmakers need to start proving they care about the nation’s best-ever president by doing a better job of funding and running the place. Runners-up: Illinois State Museum, Dana-Thomas House

BIGGEST SCANDAL

Jeffrey Parsons

This man is epic. Even after moving to Texas, he still commands attention every time he slithers into Springfield for yet another court appearance so that yet another judge can give him yet another wrist tap. This fall, a judge decreed that he should pay $5,155 per month to make good on a $12.3 million judgment in favor of exemployees who won their case alleging that he’d cheated them out of wages. Whoa, Parsons, who earns his living by buying and selling precious metals, must really be quaking in his wingtips! Just who would do business with Parsons these days, now that he’s become infamous for bouncing checks, not paying vendors and skipping out on leases, is somewhat a mystery, but his “popularity” among IT readers is undeniable. Edged out by spending for State Capitol doors last year after he took the biggest-scandal crown in 2012, Parsons is again on top when it comes to the biggest scandal in Springfield. And it’s hard to argue that he doesn’t deserve it. Runners-up: The idiot state senator who complained about loud music at Marly’s (that would be Sen. Antonio “I Need My Beauty Rest” Munoz, D-Chicago), antiviolence grants for Chicago that have triggered criminal investigations

BEST CHILDREN’S DANCE SCHOOL

Dance Creations Dance Studio, 600 E. Ash St., Suite 100, 529-8888

Janet Cripe at Dance Creations Dance Studio has been teaching dance for 30 years, but she still seems to love every moment of it. Cripe says her program spans kids who have just learned to walk, all the way up to 60- and 70-year-olds. Her priority is giving her students a “quality dance education,” she says, and it shows: some of her students have gone on to dance professionally in New York City, and others now teach dance themselves. Cripe also holds a yearly student performance called DCDS In Motion, which raises money for charity. “I truly have a love for the art of dance, the art of expression,” she says. “One of the most important things is for the kids to see how many different avenues the world of dance will take them on.” Runners-up: Dance Arts Studio, Springfield Dance

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER

Terry Farmer, Terry Farmer Photography, 4133 Old Jacksonville Road, 698-6000 When it comes to photography, Terry Farmer and Springfield are nearly as synonymous as Abraham Lincoln and Mathew Brady. He’s been in business since 1990, eventually moving from a small downtown location to a beautiful new building west of town. Farmer is perhaps best known for portrait photography, but his company also offers aerial photography as well as restoration work on vintage prints that have seen better days. With photography projects that have benefited such charities as the Animal Protective League, the American Red Cross and Ronald McDonald House, Farmer’s company has also shown a dedication to the community that all businesses should emulate. Runners-up: Kari Bedford Photography, Grace Tierney Photography

BEST NEW RESTAURANT OPENED IN 2014

Julia’s Kitchen & Lounge, 107 West Cook Street, 670-1972

Julia Hunter hit all the right notes when she opened her new restaurant in Vinegar Hill Mall this spring. There she serves up southern charm and down-home favorites like fried green tomato BLTs, shrimp po’ boys and even grits. Her tapas menu has great choices like lobster mac & cheese, hush puppies, BBQ pork sliders, bacon-wrapped dates and sweet corn fritters. Our readers love the pulled pork horseshoe and the mac & cheese and rib-eye sandwiches. Runners-up: Arlington’s, III Tomassos

BEST INSTAGRAM TO FOLLOW

217Problems, instagram.com/217problems

Sometimes in Springfield, you see something so puzzling or hilarious that you just have to share it with the world. Enter 217 Problems, which documents and aggregates funny things around town using the popular photo-sharing service Instagram. (They’re on Facebook and Twitter, too.) A typical post might be a comically naive sign, a strange license plate or someone dressed strangely, like the photo of gal at a Redbox wearing what appears to be only a bed sheet. They also recently posted a video with local celebrity Chili Bowl Mullet Man. (Guess how he got his nickname.) If you need a laugh on short notice, 217 Problems has you covered. Runners-up: Blessed by Brenna - instagram.com/cwestlake; Kari Bedford - instagram.com/karibedford

BEST LOCAL PLACE FOR FAMILY FUN

Knight’s Action Park

1700 Recreation Dr., 546-8881 It’s hard to overstate how much there is to do at Knight’s Action Park. The main attraction during the summer is the Splash Kingdom water park, which looks pretty alluring from I-72 when the temperature hits 90 degrees. If you can sneak away from work while the kids are on summer break, however, the Royal Flush and Devil Ray water slides are a blast. If water isn’t your thing, try the dry activities like gocarts, mini golf, or batting practice. The arcade is open year-round, too, so the kids can blow off some steam even when snow makes the water park less appealing. Runners-up: Ergadoozy, Illinois State Fair

BEST CREDIT UNION

Heartland Credit Union, Various locations, 726-8877

Once again, Heartland Credit Union claims the crown in this category. Founded in 1946, Heartland inspires great loyalty in its customers, as evidenced by the voter who commented that they continue to bank there despite having moved 250 miles away. Another voter expressed gratitude for Heartland’s handling of their son’s first bank loan, helping to get the youngster’s financial future off on the right foot. Runners-up: CEFCU, Illinois Educators

BEST HAIR SALON BEST MASSAGE

BJ Grand Salon & Spa, 3055 Professional Dr., 753-8880 3300 Robbins Road, 787-7770 BJ Grand Salon & Spa is on a roll, winning both Best Hair Salon and Best Massage for the second year in a row. It’s no wonder: they have a reputation for quality work, and they offer an extensive list of services. Besides the usual hair styling, they offer specials for brides, a fancy French hair highlighting technique, massages for pregnant women and even beard trimming for the guys. Prices vary based on which stylist or massage therapist works on you, and sometimes you can get a discount for giving the new talent a chance. The hot stone massage looks especially relaxing. Hair salon runners-up: Willow and Birch Salon, Appearances Salon and Retreat Massage runners-up: Soak Nails, Massage & Spa, Moxie Massage

BEST NAIL SALON

Soak Nail, Massage & Spa

2963 Lindbergh Blvd., 546-3821 It’s pretty impressive what people can do with fingernails these days. The folks at Soak are especially talented, with some really neat work to show for it. Some of their designs look like miniature pieces of art, with zebra stripes, flowers and other themes. One of their nail techs, Jan Le, even seems to have a following among voters. Of course,