Readers' Choice

Best new restaurant - Marigold

Photo: Brian WIllette; Models: Donovan/Chosen; Emily/Elite

Marigold
Other nominees: Aigre Doux, Chalkboard, copperblue, David Burke’s Primehouse, DeLaCosta
For years, no one fussed much with Indian food in Chicago: It wasn’t reinvented, it wasn’t fused and it wasn’t served with microgreens. But last year, readers’ favorite Marigold opened in Uptown in a beautiful space and with a tagline that thumbs its nose at Devon Avenue: “Indian. Authentic. Modern.” If that sounds oxymoronic, consider these convincing dishes: Dover scallops dusted with garam masala, or lamb shank marinated in chiles and vinegar, and simmered in garlic. 4832 N Broadway, 773-293-4653—Nicholas Day

Victor Hotel
Other nominees: Debonair, krem, Stone Lotus
After perfecting the art of the gargantuan restaurant (Red Light, Opera and Marché), Jerry Kleiner has given us Victor Hotel, his version of a boutique hotel lounge. There’s nothing small about the 8,000-square-foot former meatpacking warehouse, which teems with oversize lampshades and giant bottles of Veuve behind the bar. But one of the biggest reasons readers love the hotspot is the well-priced menu of delicious food, including maki (like spicy tuna and mango rolls), smoked barbecue pulled pork with tomato panini, miniburgers, shrimp and artichoke quesadillas, and green-tea crème brûlée—all served until the wee hours. 311N Sangamon St, 312-733-6900—Liz Grossman

Alinea
Other nominees: Ambria, Le Francais, Spiaggia, Trotter’s, TRU
Since Alinea opened in 2005, the blogosphere has been buzzing with foodies trying to characterize their four-hour dining experience at Grant Achatz’s Lincoln Park restaurant. (We’ve heard phrases ranging from “the food equivalent of tantric sex,” to simply, “transcendent.”) When you finally experience the 12-course tasting for $135 (or 20-plus-course tour for $195), you too may be hard-pressed to find the words to describe a dish like venison encased in savory granola and caramel with Meyer lemon and cinnamon perfume. But maybe you should forget about words altogether, because that means you’d be talking instead of eating. 1723 N Halsted St, 312-867-0110—LG

Avec
Other nominees: bin wine café, del toro, Graze, Quartino, X/O Chicago
Del toro, which was nominated in this and one other category, closed a week after voting ended—that’s the restaurant business for you—but downsizing remains a delicious concept. Credit Avec, co-owned by Donnie Madia and Paul Kahan of Blackbird, with igniting the trend locally in 2003. From the narrow, cedar-box decor to the communal dining tables, everything at this Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar is scaled down. But the flavors are huge in chef Koren Grieveson’s small-plates dishes, many cooked in a wood-burning oven and served in tiny cast-iron pots. It’s almost impossible to go wrong here, but readers adore the house-marinated olives and crispy marinated chicken thigh served with confit fingerling potatoes, apples, roasted garlic and an egg-based mustard sauce. 615 W Randolph St, 312-377-2002—LG

Best hotel restaurant - NoMI

Photo: Martha Williams

NoMI
Other nominees: Avenues, Custom House, David Burke’s Primehouse, Seasons
Is there anything not to love about NoMI? The Park Hyatt’s restaurant may have the best view in the city: The dining room’s massive windows are seven stories above Michigan Avenue and provide an up-close view of the spotlit Water Tower. The 10,000-bottle wine cellar is nearly upstaged by a reserve tea list, with selections from as far back as 1949. And then, of course, there’s the impeccable food, prepared by chef Christophe David, formerly of Taillevent in Paris. Sip one spoonful of the chestnut-and-pheasant bisque with Spanish chorizo and the view becomes irrelevant. You’ll be too busy savoring the soup to soak up the scenery. 800 N Michigan Ave, 312-239-4030—ND

Best sushi - Tank

Photo: Donna Rickles

Tank
Other nominees: Katsu, Meiji, Mirai, Sushi Wabi, Tsuki
Foreboding name aside, this trendy sushi spot became a hit the second it settled in Lincoln Square in 2004. The seasoned crew behind this venture knows the makings of good maki, as well as sushi and sashimi. But readers also love the cooked dishes, including seasonally changing pan-Asian small plates and entrées like tempura-battered soft-shell crab, Szechuan pepper–crusted New York strip and sautéed ginger duck breast. Semiprivate tatami rooms seat parties of up to seven, while libations include 12 types of cold sake and martinis like the Red Octopus (a pomegranate Cosmo). 4515 N Lincoln Ave, 773-769-2600—LG

Best desserts - Banana brioche bread pudding at Hot Chocolate

Photo: Donna Rickles

HotChocolate
Other nominees: Blackbird, Custom House, May Street Market, mk, Naha
HotChocolate chef-owner Mindy Segal knows her way around duck cassoulet, but it’s her dessert menu that sets her apart. Her fifteen signature items will sate any craving: sweet (chocolate cake and shake), salty (chocolate soufflé tart with salted caramel ice cream and pretzels) and fried (warm brioche doughnuts with hot fudge). Or stay true to the restaurant’s name and indulge in the house hot chocolate, from mint-infused white to dark 72 percent–cocoa French. 1747 N Damen Ave, 773-489-1747—LG

TipsyCake
Other nominees: Bombon Americano, Pasticceria Natalina, Sarah’s
Despite the shop’s boozy name, your blood-sugar levels will be the only thing above the legal limit after a visit to this no-frills Humboldt Park bakery opened last fall by Aussie pastry chef Naomi Stepanek. She creates unforgettable delicacies from Down Under like lamingtons (small sponge-cake cubes filled with raspberry jam and covered in rich Belgian chocolate and French coconut), plus intoxicating treats such as Hungarian pancake pie and Door County cherry scones. 1043 N California Ave, 773-384-4418—LG

Fulton’s on the River
Other nominees: Avenue M, Bistro Campagne, Chez Joël, DeLaCosta, El Cid
You’re much more likely to wave back at the smiling occupants of passing boats when you’ve got chef Mark Mavrantonis’s butter-soaked Australian lobster tails or juicy porterhouse steak in front of you at this restaurant on the Chicago River. The contemporary bilevel dining room pales in comparison to the 140-seat outdoor veranda, where umbrella-covered tables shelter a Loop lunch and dinner crowd. Why settle for street exhaust when you can soak in the skyline and river view? 315 N LaSalle St, 312-822-0100—LG

Frontera Fresco
Other nominees: Fonda del Mar, Sol de Mexico, Tepatulco, Xel-Ha
The workday masses who line up for lunch at this grab-and-go spot on the seventh floor of Macy’s look a little less polished than the moneyed crowds spilling out of Frontera Grill/Topolobampo. But everyone loves the steaming corn-perfumed tamales and smoky flatbread huaraches, which are on par with the goods at the Mexican mothership on Clark. If you cursed Rick Bayless for his 2003 Burger King commercial, $7 for high-quality regional Mexican is the ultimate reason to forgive. 111 N State St, seventh floor of Macy’s, 312-781-4483—Michael Nagrant

Hot Doug’s
Other nominees: Charcoal, fRed Hots, Superdawg, the Wiener’s Circle
With his black, square-frame glasses and Ginsu-sharp wit, owner Doug Sohn could easily be the love child of Elvis Costello and Dorothy Parker. Sohn’s wit extends beyond the way he interacts with his adoring customers: It’s also evident in the names that adorn his menu, with sausages named for Jennifer Garner and Don Rickles. Then there are items like the cognac-infused pheasant sausage topped with truffle moutarde, which is one reason we’ll happily stand in line to get in on a Saturday afternoon. 3324 N California Ave, 773-279-9550—MN

Best barbecue - Rib Sampler with sweet potato fries and mac-and-cheese sides at The Smoke Daddy

Photo: Brendan Lekan

The Smoke Daddy
Other nominees: Fat Willy’s, Honey 1 BBQ, Lem’s, Smoque, Uncle John’s
Although the Smoke Daddy crew is smart enough to sprinkle in some brick, vinyl stools and a regular helping of blues music, this North Side spot classes up ’que with an urban-loft decor vibe. Its secret weapon? The “Lil Red Smoker.” No, we’re not talking about that fiery redheaded beauty in the corner chain-smoking Marlboros; rather, it’s Smoke Daddy’s authentic barbecue pit, stoked with apple, cherry and hickory woods. 1804 W Division St, 773-772-6656—MN

Spacca Napoli
Other nominees: Frasca, Gruppo di Amici, Sapori di Napoli, Trattoria DOC
There are approximately 2,000 pizza joints in Chicago, but readers say this peach-colored Ravenswood spot tops them all. Owner Jonathan Goldsmith’s attention to detail is legendary: He imports his buffalo milk mozzarella from Caiazzo, Italy, and he brought sand, brick, volcanic stone and a team of Neapolitan builders to Chicago just to build his oven. The meticulous approach pays off: When our last piece of Margherita topped with fior di latte mozzarella, anise-perfumed basil and zingy tomato was finished, we were almost ready to swear off deep-dish pizza forever. 1769 W Sunnyside Ave, 773-878-2420—MN

Sheffield’s
Other nominees: Happy Village, Jack’s/404, Moody’s Pub, Uberstein, Weed’s Tavern
Dining in Wrigleyville is like being in college (except the kids have money), which explains why this Lakeview bar has more taps than a frat kegger. (Up to 38 in the summer, in fact.) And there’s no better way to spend your money than sitting back on a warm afternoon under the shade of the cottonwood trees and sipping your way through the 100-plus premium bottles and craft-brewed drafts on the menu. 3258 N Sheffield Ave, 773-281-4989—MN

The Chicago Diner
Other nominees: Cousin’s I.V., Karyn’s Cooked, Soul Vegetarian East, Udupi Palace, Veggie Bite
Newer, hipper all-veggie eateries have come on the scene since the 24-year-old Chicago Diner opened its doors. But this standby, with its earthy, crunchy vibe and dark interior space, is still a fave for readers who don’t want meat in their “chicken” fajitas and “grills gone wild.” Even if you’re not a beans-rice-and-tofu kind of vegetarian, you’ll want to stop in for the to-die-for vegan desserts (so popular they’re sold all over town). 3411 N Halsted St, 773-935-6696—ML

Over Easy Café
Other nominees: Custom House, del toro, Dodo, Yolk
North Siders are finding mornings more tolerable now that this Ravenswood restaurant recently reopened. (A fire last summer closed the hot spot for nearly six months.) The Sunday brunch menu changes weekly, so hordes of fans regularly line up early to try the latest version. The prices aren’t for diners on a budget, but the salami and eggs, banana-spiked French toast and pancakes served with orange butter make getting up early a lot more appetizing. 4943 N Damen Ave, 773-506-2605—ML

Gibsons Bar and Steakhouse
Other nominees: Chicago Chop House, Custom House, David Burke’s Primehouse, Gene & Georgetti
From the second you enter the packed foyer at this seen-and-be-seen Gold Coast standby, it’s clear you’re in for a reverent steakhouse experience. What Gibsons’ menu lacks in innovation, it makes up for in stellar quality and attentive service. You’ll get exactly the flavorful, juicy steak you order, served just as you like it. Filet cuts are so tender, your knife slides through the butter-soft meat. 1028 N Rush St, 312-266-8999—ML

Blackbird
Other nominees: May Street Market, Naha, Schwa, Scylla, Spring
There is scarcely an award Blackbird chef-owner Paul Kahan and co-owner Donnie Madia haven’t won: James Beard Awards, Food & Wine and Gourmet magazine accolades, even architectural kudos. Kahan is a zealot for local and seasonal ingredients, and he frequently changes his menu, so it makes sense this ten-year-old minimalist icon still feels as fresh as the day it opened. For an appetizer, try the classic charcuterie plate with game bird terrine. And you can’t go wrong with the slow-roasted loin of rabbit or the Blackbird bouillabaisse, which features a different daily selection of fish and shellfish. 619 W Randolph St, 312-715-0708—ML

Rick Bayless
Other nominees: Jean Joho (Everest, Brasserie Jo); Shawn McClain (Spring, Green Zebra, Custom House); Rick Tramonto (TRU, Osteria di Tramonto, et al); Charlie Trotter (Charlie Trotter’s, Trotter’s to Go)
The mastermind behind Frontera Grill/Topolobampo and Frontera Fresco, Bayless is beloved not only for his authentic regional Mexican cuisine, but also for his commitment to sustainable living and his overall accessibility. This is a guy who is happy to chat with anyone who comes into his acclaimed spot, and who opens his doors to local farmers looking to attract customers to their CSA subscription lists. Nice to know being a TV personality doesn’t have to go to your head.—ML

Best dive bar - Old Town Ale House

Photo: Martha Williams

Old Town Ale House

Other nominees: Bob Inn, Cal’s Liquor, the Cove, Gold Star, L&L Tavern
The visage of Cheers barfly George Wendt, painted by owner Bruce Elliott, most certainly authenticates this spot, your pick for Chicago best dive. Wendt is in good company: Images of former regulars Bill Murray and  Eddie Balchowski, a heroin addict who was a concert pianist until he lost an arm in the Spanish Civil War, also stand guard over 36 years of dust and kitsch. Meanwhile, the “Old Town Ale House Book Sharing Library,” a collection of pulp and pop fiction, proves once and for all that drinking and reading do mix. 219 W North Ave, 312-944-7020—MN

Pops for Champagne
Other nominees: Cru Café and Wine Bar, Eno, Juicy Wine Co., winebar
Can a wine bar have a mid-life crisis? At the not-so tender age of 24, Pops for Champagne left its Lakeview home last year for more glamorous digs in River North. Whereas the former spot was elegant and subdued, the new space is flashier than a red convertible. The sleek multifloor space in the treasured Tree Studios building features a hip aesthetic and Champagne-like bubble lighting upstairs, and there’s mainstream jazz in the downstairs den. Andre Christopher, formerly chef de cuisine at Japonais, now handles the food, and the menu features everything from marinated olives to scallop risotto. And, of course, the unparalleled bubbly list offers 70 Champagnes and 25 sparkling wines. Pops’ rebirth makes us wish that a lot more bars got the 24-year itch. 601 N State St, 312-266-7677—ND

Five Star Bar
Other nominees: Cobra Lounge, Continental, J Bar, Lakeview Broadcasting Company
Is Five Star Bar an ironic take on an old-school rock & roll bar, or is it the real deal? Whatever the answer, this alarmingly loud new watering hole has made a bass drum–thumping entrance into West Town. Somewhere amid the nouveau grunge décor—the leather banquettes and antique mirrors are mashed up with a pool table and Sailor Jerry wall tattoos—there’s a serious supply of alcohol: 14 draft handles and 30-plus bourbons. Five Star also seems to be conducting an experiment on what happens when you put a stripper pole near so much bourbon: After installing the pole as a supposed joke, the owners were shocked to find customers seriously working it. 1424 W Chicago Ave, 312-850-2555—ND

Osteria Via Stato
Other nominees: Bruna’s, Merlo, Riccardo Trattoria, RoSal’s, Terragusto
Admittedly, replacing a “rustic Greek” restaurant concept with a “rustic Italian” restaurant concept could easily induce eye-rolling. But when the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant empire swapped out Papagus for Osteria Via Stato, it did more than teach the servers new accents. The Osteria does a successful $36 three-course meal with a classic Italian progression (antipasti, starch, protein), and it excels at plainspoken dishes like hand-rolled cavatelli pasta with wild mushrooms. The down-to-earth wine program features 30 options by the quartino. If this sort of simplicity and convenience is a concept, we feel pretty good about liking it. 620 N State St, 312-642-8450—ND

Best cocktail menu - Breakfast margarita at Nacional 27

Photo: Brendan Lekan

Nacional 27
Other nominees: Fulton Lounge, J Bar, Matchbox
Adam Seger trained at California’s famed French Laundry restaurant—but he’s not a chef. The general manager and sommelier of Nacional 27, Seger is best known as a mixologist, a veritable savant of liquors and fruits. You can drink to his genius every night at Nacional 27, where the cocktail list is a hothouse of invention: Order the flight of NC27 Originals and stay awhile (no one tastes a mango-ginger-habanero martini and then just leaves). Fanatical about his craft, Seger makes his own bitters and maraschino cherries and uses wine syrups (wine reduced with sugar) to give his drinks depth. Don’t just take our word for it: When Playboy compiled its top-ten list of American bartenders, Seger got a nod. 325 W Huron St, 312-664-2727—ND

Entourage
Other nominees: Niche, Osteria di Tramonto, Sage Grille, Sandbar
The dramatic two-story steel-and-mahogany entryway is the first hint you’re in for something big at this contemporary American hot spot. Suspicions are confirmed when you dive into a virtual mountain of hoisin–serrano chile calamari and a tender lavender-and-honey–glazed pork chop that’s four inches thick and perfectly cooked. By the time you hit the vanilla bean–infused sweet potatoes, you’ll have forgotten all about reasonable portion sizes and be wishing for more. Desserts like triple chocolate cake, served in two ginormous wedges with a petite dollop of raspberry, make it easy to see why “doggy bags” here are full-size shopping bags. We needed two. 1301 American Ln, Schaumburg, 847-995-9400—Amy Carr

Photo galleries:

Food Porn: For an up-close glimpse at some of the winners of this year’s awards, check out our photo gallery featuring the dishes and drinks chosen by TOC critics and readers.

On the spot: Go behind-the-scenes of Time Out Chicago's first annual Eat Out Awards with photos of the chefs and managers from some of Chicago's best restaurants and bars accepting their awards.