(Hotel restaurants are not eligible in this category)
Pizza
THE COOK'S SHOP PIZZERIA
3375 E. Russell Road
Readers do get around when it comes to getting a piece of the pie. The franchises drew their share of votes, but pizza is one category where independents fared as well or better among the 27 places to spread the dough. We're not sure why this corner store in a shopping center at Russell and Pecos roads did better than any of the other storefront joints that hang fliers on your doorknob -- maybe it's that website. But the slices spill over a paper plate at this place that instructs you to "Eat real pizza," and you can't get more real than a special of two slices and a 16-ounce drink for $2.79 (toppings extra). Villa Pizza delivered a second-place finish.
Our Pick:
PIZZERIA UNO CHICAGO BAR & GRILL
2540 S. Decatur Blvd.
The slight air of anti-franchise snobbery you might detect in some of our staff picks ends behind the green door of this distinctive chain, where a pie is more literally like a pie, with a flaky crust and a creative choice of toppings to go with the high-end beers.