Matchbox
This Bloody Mary is so good that a trendy New York restaurant adopted it, and it’s now called the best in New York, as well. Like all cocktails at the Matchbox, the Bloody Mary is a testament to handcrafted excellence. The bartender mixes it to order, filling a glass of ice half full of vodka, then adding in Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot sauce and tomato juice. But it gets its true character from its garnish-a delicious skewer of pickled vegetables.

770 North Milwaukee (312)666-9292

Audience choice: Wishbone
1001 West Washington, (312)850-2663
3300 North Lincoln, (773)549-2663

Best of Chicago 2002

Orange
Now this is a wake-up call. Orange oozes citrus, from the brightly colored décor, to the scents from the fresh juice bar that greet you as you enter. A cheerful, creative vibe permeates your experience, from the self-designed fresh juices, to the free coffee while you inevitably wait, to the “frushi,” a modestly priced fruit-sushi appetizer. The creativity permeates the menu as well-from the green eggs and ham (scrambled with tomatoes, mozzarella, pancetta and pesto) to the French toast kabob, a skewer of coconut-infused French toast and fruits.

730 W. Grand (312)942-0300
738 N. Clark (312)202-0600
2413 N. Clark (773)549-7833
2011 W. Roscoe (773)248-0999

Audience choice: Wishbone
1001 West Washington, (312)850-2663
3300 North Lincoln, (773)549-2663

Best of Chicago 2002