Chicago's Best, By The Numbers

Ranked by the Chicago Specials Score — a blend of real ratings, member votes, and our own editorial judgment. Vote for your favorite on any business page to move it up the list. 200+ real spots across 15 categories, and growing.

How the ranking works: we blend Google/Yelp/TripAdvisor ratings (weighted so a handful of 5-star reviews can't outrank a place with thousands), our own team's pick as a Super Gem, real member upvotes, and how often independent "best of Chicago" sources agree on a place. Being a Super Gem puts a business in the top tier outright — the rest of the ranking is about who earns the top spot within it.

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Browse Every List

200+ spots, 15 categories — jump straight to another ranking.

Halloween Is One Week Away

41 real haunted houses, parades, and fall festivals across the city and suburbs — with Add to Calendar and easy sharing built in.

Planning A Visit? Start With Our Guides

Real visit guides for every CityPASS attraction plus the Architecture Tour, Ghost Tour, and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus — written the same honest way as every ranking on this page.