Final Hours to Vote: McKinley Park's 'Best of 2025' Contest Closes Tonight

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Mckinley Park · November 26, 2025

McKinley Park residents have until tonight to cast their votes in the neighborhood's inaugural 'Best of McKinley Park' members' choice contest. The community-driven initiative, which has been tracking votes since early October, will close voting on Wednesday, November 26, at midnight, after which winners across dozens of categories will be announced.

This first-ever neighborhood awards program represents not only the most favored dining, shopping, services and community features of Chicago's McKinley Park neighborhood, but also introduces residents to all listed contestants. Many participating businesses are concentrated along the vibrant West 35th Street corridor, which has become a center of local commerce featuring diverse restaurants and independent retailers that contribute to the neighborhood's unique character. The timing coincides with ongoing community efforts to revitalize the 35th Street commercial district, which has been the focus of collaborative planning between the McKinley Park Development Council and the University of Illinois Chicago.

Residents interested in participating can visit mckinleypark.news to cast their final votes before tonight's deadline. Contest organizers look forward to both celebrating this first set of winners and continuing the initiative in future years to strengthen connections between neighbors, enterprises, institutions, and community favorites. The results will be tallied and announced in the coming days, giving McKinley Park a chance to celebrate its most beloved local establishments just in time for the holiday season.

Sources:
1. https://mckinleypark.news/about/letter-from-the-editor/7620-last-chance-to-pick-the-2025-best-of-mckinley-park
2. https://www.mpdcchicago.org/