More than 30,000 people voted in more than 300 categories during two rounds of voting. Winners will be presented with their Best of Chicago store decals at an awards program Tuesday, November 19 at historic Thalia Hall in Pilsen.
“The people have spoken, now it’s time to party,” said Reader event producer Kristen Kaza. “Come help us celebrate your favorite places, people, and things in the city at a fabulous celebration.”
The Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago party will be Tuesday, November 19, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport, at 18th Street.
Partygoers will be invited to taste the Best of Chicago when winners and nominees from the Food & Drink ballot dish out their prize-winning tastes, including:
- Chicago Diner
- Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
- Mia Francesca’s
- Dinner at the Grotto
- Publican Quality Bread
- Dark Matter Coffee
- Dante’s Pizzeria
- And more to be announced.
Winners and nominees will be the stars of the evening, with music from Best DJ winner Rae Chardonnay, and a Best of Chicago Variety Show featuring winners & nominees hosted by Best Drag Performer winner Lucy Stoole and Best Stand Up Comic Winner Shannon Noll.
There’s a little bit of “the best” sprinkled throughout the party, Kaza said, “but we can’t tell you everything just yet—you’ll have to wait for updates when the Best of Chicago results are shared in our November 7 issue.”
Tickets available here: https://www.chicagoreader.com/party.
VIP tickets to support the Reader—$45: Enjoy early entry at 6 PM, with exclusive access to the balcony bar all night, magic experiences provided by Best Magic Venue winner Chicago Magic Lounge, an indulgent food spread by Whole Foods Market, a complimentary drink from Virtue Cider, Half Acre or Koval Distillery, dessert from Defloured bakery, and a sweet swag bag including treats from Best of Chicago winners. “Feel good about your upgrade. This ticket supports independent journalism,” said Reader publisher Tracy Baim.
General Admission tickets—$15: Includes access to the party from 7-10 PM, cash bar, entertainment, entry to the “Best of Chicago” food tasting featuring several winners and nominees.
Accessibility: Thalia Hall is wheelchair accessible via elevator. The main restrooms will be all-gender accessible; a single-unit restroom will also be available.
This party is all ages, but attendees must be 21 or older and present a valid ID to drink alcohol.
Parking: Street parking; valet available for a fee.
This party is made possible by the support of Xfinity, Illinois Lottery, Half Acre Beer, Koval Distillery and Virtue Cider.